Team India and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) pacer Harshit Rana has reportedly been ruled out of the upcoming IPL 2026. His absence will be a huge blow to the IPL 2024 champions as the 19th edition of the tournament begins on March 28.

Harshit Rana had injured his knee during a warm-up fixture against South Africa in Navi Mumbai ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. He underwent surgery on February 9 but has not recovered fully to play in the IPL 2026.

Rana was instrumental in KKR's 2024 title-winning campaign, taking 19 wickets and cementing his place as a regular for India across formats. He was retained by the franchise for Rs 4 crore before the 2025 season, and he took 15 wickets in 13 games.

Meanwhile, the report also stated that KKR is yet to decide on any replacement. KKR has Akash Deep, Vaibhav Arora, Umran Malik, and Kartik Tyagi in their pace department.

"Harshit Rana, unfortunately, will not be available, but it gives the opportunity to other bowlers in the squad—Vaibhav, Umran, Kartik, and Akash—to step up and grab the opportunity. No replacement has been decided yet,” a Times of India report stated.

On the other hand, Blessing Muzarabani of Zimbabwe has been signed by KKR as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman. The 6 ft 8 in right-arm pacer has developed into one of Zimbabwe’s leading bowlers, having taken more than 90 wickets in over 80 T20Is.

There is also uncertainty about Matheesha Pathirana's participation, as he injured himself during the T20 World Cup and is presently recovering.