KKR Signs Navdeep Saini as Replacement for Injured Harshit Rana in IPL 2026

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have bolstered their pace bowling unit by roping in fast bowler Navdeep Saini as a replacement for the injured Harshit Rana ahead of IPL 2026. Rana, who was sidelined by an injury that forced him to miss the recent T20 World Cup, has now been ruled out of the IPL as well. After careful deliberation, the franchise decided to add the seasoned pacer to their squad.

This move comes just days after KKR were compelled to replace another quick bowler, Akash Deep, with Saurabh Dubey. Saini, who earned his maiden IPL contract with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in 2019, impressed in 13 games by claiming 11 wickets. He continued with RCB for the next two seasons before being picked up by Rajasthan Royals (RR). However, his stint with RR was limited to just four games across two seasons, and he went unsold in the recent auction.

With a total of 23 wickets in the IPL, Saini's experience extends beyond the domestic T20 league. He has represented India in all formats, adding international flavor to KKR's lineup.

In a similar development, Gujarat Titans (GT) have replaced injured pacer Prithviraj Yarra with Kulwant Khejroliya. The Madhya Pradesh speedster first debuted in the IPL with RCB in 2018, played for them in 2019, switched to KKR in 2023, and featured in one game for GT last year.

As the IPL 2026 season approaches, KKR will kick off their campaign against Mumbai Indians (MI) at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on March 29. Meanwhile, GT will begin their title defense against last year's runners-up, Punjab Kings (PBKS), in Mullanpur on March 31.