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The Kolkata Knight (KKR) Riders have suffered a big setback before the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. Young Indian fast bowler Harshit Rana is likely to miss the tournament because of a knee injury.
Rana picked up the injury during a warm-up match before the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. He later had surgery in Mumbai. Because of the recovery and rehabilitation time, the 24-year-old pacer may not be fit in time for IPL 2026.
Rana had become an important bowler for KKR in the last few seasons. His absence could force the team to look for a replacement Indian fast bowler.
Here are Top 3 players who could replace Harshit Rana in the squad.
1. Akash Madhwal
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Akash Madhwal could be one of the best replacement options for KKR. The right-arm pacer became popular during his time with the Mumbai Indians in IPL 2023. He impressed many fans with his ability to take wickets in important moments.
Madhwal is also known for his accurate bowling in the death overs. His IPL experience and calm approach in pressure situations could make him a strong addition to KKR’s bowling attack.
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2. Simarjeet Singh
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Another player KKR could consider is Simarjeet Singh. The fast bowler from Delhi has previously played for the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. He is known for his pace and ability to generate bounce from the pitch.
Simarjeet can be very useful in the powerplay overs with the new ball. His recent domestic performances also show that he can take wickets regularly.
3. Money Grewal
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Young pacer Money Grewal is another exciting option for KKR. He gained attention in domestic T20 tournaments after finishing among the top wicket-takers. Grewal also picked up a hat-trick during the competition.
With his pace and ability to trouble batters with bounce, he could be a good young talent for KKR if the team decides to give an opportunity to a rising player.
Conclusion
The absence of Harshit Rana could be a challenge for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026. However, players like Akash Madhwal, Simarjeet Singh, and Mone Grewal could be good options to strengthen the team’s fast bowling department.
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