KKR will open their IPL 2026 on March 29 against MI in Mumbai.
While Rana has not been officially ruled out of the tournament, Nayar indicated that the team is already exploring options to fill his role.
"Firstly, it is a big blow. Because Harshit has been an integral part of this team for the last couple of seasons, including the championship season. He's grown a lot as a cricketer over the years, so it's not easy to replace him.
Having said that, over the last few days, we've looked at a few bowlers. We're trying to evaluate, with the help of the leadership group, who fits in and who can do that role to the best of their prowess. We're still evaluating that and haven't made that decision yet, but hopefully we'll identify someone soon who can make a difference to this squad,” Abhishek Nayar said during a presser, as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.
Furthermore, Nayar gave an update on Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana and revealed that he’ll miss the first phase of the IPL 2026 and will only be available from mid-April.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is currently overseeing Pathirana's recovery after he was ruled out of the 2026 T20 World Cup owing to a calf issue. He played in only three matches at the tournament before being helped off the field against Australia.
"The latest update that we know is he's obviously with the Sri Lankan cricket board, and they took out his rehab. And the latest communication that we've had is, hopefully, somewhere mid-April is when they feel he'll be match-fit. That's what we know as of now,” Nayar added.
Pathirana was bought by KKR for INR 18 crores at the IPL 2026 auction after he was released by the Chennai Super Kings.
Dwayne Bravo, KKR's mentor, expressed optimism. He noted India's fast-bowling depth, which includes Vaibhav Arora, Akash Deep, Umran Malik, Kartik Tyagi, and KKR's spin resources, as reasons the team can overcome the lack of key quicks.
"In any tournament with any team, once you lose some of the key bowling options, these are things you plan for, but also things you have to accept. The good thing about Indian cricket, especially at the moment, is that there is a lot of depth. So, there are some guys, as the coach mentioned, that we are definitely looking at to fill the spot—the likes of Umran Malik. These guys are also players who have represented the national team at some point in time and have also played in the IPL before. They are young, exciting talents. So, for me personally, I'm happy to work with this group of fast bowlers,” Bravo added.
"We have the best spin attack in the entire competition, so from a bowling point of view, I think we will be fine. Also, I can't forget Vaibhav - what a fantastic season last year. He's been the leader of the attack over the last two seasons as well. So, yes, we've lost some key players, but I feel comfortable [knowing that] we have what it takes to replace those guys," Bravo added.
KKR's season begins on March 29 against the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. According to the current fixtures, they will also play at home against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Punjab Kings, and Lucknow Super Giants in the evening.