IPL 2026, Harshit Rana Replacement KKR: Three-time champion Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has taken a big step to bridge the gap in its fast bowling for IPL 2026. The team's star fast bowler Harshit Rana is going to be out for a long time due to injury, which may spoil the team combination of KKR.

In such a situation, the team has intensified the search for his replacement. Recently the team management has called some bowlers for trials.

Search for Harshit Rana's replacement

Harshit Rana suffered a ligament strain injury in his right knee while playing against South Africa in the warm-up match of the T20 World Cup 2026. He bowled only one over and then was out. After this, surgery took place and now he is in rehabilitation. BCCI's medical team has not yet given any date for his return, due to which he is likely to miss a major part of the IPL.

To fill this gap, KKR has set its sights on three experienced fast bowlers. These three bowlers are Simarjeet Singh, KM Asif and Sandeep Warrier. These players have participated in trials.

Which bowler will KKR bet on?

Simarjeet Singh has previously played for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Sunrisers Hyderabad. He has 11 wickets in his name in 14 matches of IPL. The speed of this tall fast bowler is more than 140 km/hour and he is an expert in throwing sharp yorkers. He took 9 wickets in 10 matches for CSK in 2022, but struggled for SRH last season and got only 2 wickets in 4 matches.

He impressed during KKR's initial trial phase in Mumbai, where the team was monitored by scouting head Biju George and deputy Manvinder Bisla.

Talking about KM Asif, this 32 year old bowler had recently left his mark in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He bowls the ball at a speed of 140 km/hour, but has been struggling with injuries. His debut in IPL was for CSK in 2018. Last seen for Rajasthan Royals in 2023. Asif and Sandeep Warrier gave trials during the first training session of KKR at Eden Gardens on Wednesday.

Sandeep Warrier has played for KKR before also. He made his debut with KKR in 2019 and was a part of the team for three seasons, and has also played for Gujarat Titans.

There are 8 wickets in 10 matches in IPL. In such a situation, Kolkata Knight Riders team can make any one of these three bowlers a part of its squad.