Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are unlikely to seek injury replacements for Harshit Rana and Matheesha Pathirana for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. According to a report by Cricbuzz, the franchise management has decided against signing new fast bowlers for them.
On March 11, the IPL 2026 first-phase schedule was announced with 20 matches. The Ajinkya Rahane-led team will play four games, starting against the Mumbai Indians (MI) on March 29. They will then play three home matches against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
Harshit Rana recently underwent surgery after a knee injury. The injury ruled Harshit Rana out of the recent T20 World Cup and the upcoming IPL season.
Since his debut in 2022, Harshit Rana has taken 40 wickets in 34 matches at an average of 25.72 and an economy rate of 9.51. In 2025, the right-arm fast bowler took 15 wickets in 13 matches at an average of 29.86 and an economy rate of 10.18, with best figures of 3/25.
He also picked up 19 wickets during the 2024 edition. Kolkata Knight Riders will now rely on their domestic pace options, including Vaibhav Arora, Umran Malik, Kartik Tyagi, and Akash Deep.
Matheesha Pathirana Expected to Return Soon
Matheesha Pathirana suffered a left-leg injury against Australia during the T20 World Cup 2026. He took two wickets in three matches at an economy rate of 6.15 during the tournament.
Kolkata Knight Riders remain hopeful about his recovery. After spending ₹18 crore to sign him, the management is unlikely to look for an overseas replacement. The team expects him to be available in the later stages of the tournament.
Pathirana previously played for the Chennai Super Kings for four seasons. He has taken 47 wickets in 32 matches at an economy rate of 8.68. During the 2023 title-winning season, he picked up 19 wickets in 12 innings at an economy rate of 8.00.
Blessing Muzarabani Replaces Mustafizur Rahman
Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders have signed Blessing Muzarabani as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman after a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
However, this move has created tension with Islamabad United and the Pakistan Super League. Muzarabani left his Islamabad United deal to join the IPL.
Pakistan media also compared the situation to Corbin Bosch, who was banned for one year by the Pakistan Cricket Board after leaving Peshawar Zalmi to join Mumbai Indians last season.
After winning their third title in 2024, the Knight Riders endured a disappointing 2025 season. They finished eighth in the points table with just five wins from 14 matches.
The franchise will aim for a strong comeback this year with a revamped support staff. Abhishek Nayar will serve as head coach, with Shane Watson as assistant coach, Dwayne Bravo as mentor, and Tim Southee as the bowling coach.
Also read: Gautam Gambhir goes aggressive, demands BCCI extend his contract immediately
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