IPL 2026: KKR Set To Rope In Ex-CSK Pacer As Harshit Rana's Injury Replacement

Kolkata Knight Riders are on the hunt for a replacement fast bowler after Harshit Rana was ruled out of the IPL 2026 with a knee injury. The three-time champions held trials and Simrajeet Singh favourite to be roped in. Singh plays for Delhi in domestic cricket and has featured for CSK and SRH in the past in the IPL.

Simarjeet Singh went unsold in the IPL 2026 auction but has been around the IPL circles for a while. He spent three seasons with the Chennai Super Kings. He last played for the Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2025, featuring alongside the likes of Pat Cummins, Mohammed Shami and Harshal Patel.

Singh has played 14 IPL matches in his career, picking up 11 wickets.

India fast bowler Harshit Rana was ruled out of the tournament following his injury ahead of the T20 World Cup. Rana played against South Africa on February 4 at the DY Patil Stadium.

He suffered a knee injury and hobbled to the dressing room. India then called up Mohammed Siraj as replacement. Rana then underwent surgery and as reported by TOI, is expected to be out of the tournament. The pacer was seen in crutches at the BCCI Awards in Delhi on Sunday.

It is a major jolt to Kolkata Knight Riders. Rana is the senior most Indian pacer in the side and was expected to spearhead the attack. Over the past year, the 24-year-old has made his way into the Indian squad across formats. Rana's ability to hold his own with the bat is also seen as a vital advantage in his favour.