IPL 2026: KKR Sign Ex-RCB Pacer Navdeep Saini As Harshit Rana's Replacement

Kolkata Knight Riders have signed Navdeep Saini as a replacement for Harshit Rana ahead of the IPL 2026 season. Saini was training with KKR over the past few days and was confirmed as a replacement with Rana being ruled out for the season. Saini has played 32 games, having featured for RR and RCB in the past.

"Very happy to be here. I was informed last night. I had manifested it honestly and I had faith in God. This opportunity is a chance to revival, after ups and downs in the last few years," Navdeep Saini said on his signing.

Both Saini and Rana have played for India and represent Delhi in domestic cricket. Rana underwent a knee surgery last month that ruled him out of the T20 World Cup that India won.

"Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Gujarat Titans (GT) have picked Navdeep Saini and Kulwant Khejroliya respectively as player replacements for TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026," said the IPL in a statement.