KKR Confirm Harshit Rana Replacement (Source:AFP)
In a significant development, KKR on Thursday finally confirmed Harshit Rana's replacement for IPL 2026. Along with that, Gujarat Titans also made a surprise addition to their squad to replace injured Yarra Prithvi Raj.
The IPL governing body announced the developments, as Navdeep Saini, a former RCB bowler, joined the Purple and Gold brigade to replace the injured Harshit at INR 75 lakh. On the other hand, the Shubman Gill-led GT will have ex-KKR pacer Kulwant Khejroliya for INR 30 Lakh.
Earlier, it was reported that KKR had brought in quite a few pace options for trials to find Harshit Rana replacement. Eventually, it was Navdeep Saini who made the cut for IPL 2026.
During KKR’s intra-squad practice match, Saini got the dangerous Finn Allen’s wicket. It finally came as a big reward after being unsold earlier in the mini auction.
Injury-Hit KKR Add Navdeep Saini For IPL 2026
KKR’s pace department has already been hit by plenty of injuries, with Matheesha Pathirana doubtful for IPL 2026. With Harshit Rana and Akash Deep being ruled out for the entire season, coupled with Mustafizur Rahman ban, KKR have turned themselves into a mini hospital ahead of the upcoming edition.
Hence, adding Navdeep Saini for IPL 2026 was nothing but a forced move by the Purple and Gold brigade.
Also Read: IPL 2026 Tickets: How To Book, Team-Wise Price Details, Online Booking Platforms
Saini made his IPL debut in 2019, but has not played a game since 2023. He played for Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) and RCB before joining KKR.
In total, Saini has taken 17 wickets across 28 matches in the IPL, with an economy rate of 8.48.
Who Is Kulwant Khejroliya?
Kulwant Khejroliya made his IPL debut back in 2018. He was with the Mumbai Indians, RCB, Delhi Capitals, KKR and Gujarat Titans.
Even though Khejroliya, now 34, went unsold in the latest IPL auction, he was brought back by Gill and his boys after an injury hit the GT camp.
In total, Kulwant Khejroliya has played 8 IPL matches and picked up six wickets. His economy rate is on the higher side – 10.66.
KKR IPL 2026 Schedule
While IPL 2026 will get underway on March 28, KKR’s campaign will begin a day later. Five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians will be their first opponent, and the fixture will take place at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
After that, KKR will face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), on April 2, April 6 and April 9 respectively. All three matches will take place at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
| Match No. | Teams | Date & Time | Venue |
| No. 2 | MI vs KKR | March 29, 7:30 PM IST | Mumbai |
| No. 6 | KKR vs SRH | April 2, 7:30 PM IST | Kolkata |
| No. 12 | KKR vs PBKS | April 6, 7:30 PM IST | Kolkata |
| No. 15 | KKR vs LSG | April 9, 7:30 PM IST | Kolkata |
Notably, only 20 IPL fixtures have been announced so far for the upcoming edition, as the dates of the Assembly Elections across three states in India have not been set. The second half of IPL 2026 will be announced soon by the BCCI.
Also Read: KKR's Best Playing XI For IPL 2026- Cameron Green, Muzarabani In! No Place For Kiwi Opener
