KKR Bring In ex-RCB Bowler as Injury Replacements Continue Ahead of IPL 2026
KKR sign Navdeep Saini for injured Harshit Rana ahead of IPL 2026, as teams reshuffle squads before season start.
Kolkata Knight Riders have signed Navdeep Saini as a replacement for injured Harshit Rana ahead of IPL 2026.
Rana has been ruled out of the full season due to injury, adding to his recent struggles after also missing the T20 World Cup 2026.
This is KKR’s second forced change in the squad. Earlier, they brought in Saurabh Dubey to replace injured Akash Deep.
Saini comes in with solid experience. He has picked up 23 IPL wickets and has played for India in all three formats, including Tests and ODIs.
The fast bowler had previously impressed while playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru and now gets another chance to prove himself.
Speaking after the move, Saini said, “The way we say Kolkata Knight Riders, it has a certain feel. I am feeling very good as a Knight Rider.”
Squad reshuffle before season start
KKR are adjusting their pace attack after multiple injury setbacks just days before the season begins.
Their updated squad still has strong names like Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy, Cameron Green and Matheesha Pathirana.
KKR will open their IPL 2026 campaign against Mumbai Indians on March 29 at the Wankhede Stadium.
Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans have also made a change. They signed Kulwant Khejroliya as a replacement for Prithviraj Yarra.
GT will begin their season against Punjab Kings on March 31 at Mullanpur.
With injuries already affecting squads, teams are making quick adjustments to stay ready before the tournament kicks off.
