IPL 2026: Navdeep Saini replaces Harshit Rana at KKR
What's the story
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have signed fast bowler Navdeep Saini as a replacement for the injured Harshit Rana in IPL 2026. Rana was ruled out of the tournament after suffering a ligament strain in his right knee during the T20 World Cup. The injury has further weakened KKR's bowling attack, with Akash Deep and Matheesha Pathirana also injured and Mustafizur Rahman omitted from the squad.
Player reaction
'Somewhere, I always felt that...': Saini on KKR call-up
Saini, who has taken 77 wickets in 87 T20s with a four-wicket haul, was ecstatic to learn about his selection in the KKR squad. "I found out last night, and the moment I got to know, I honestly didn't know how to react. But somewhere, I always felt that the way I've been working hard and putting in the effort, something like this was bound to happen," he told Knight Club.
Career overview
Saini returns to IPL after a gap since 2023
Saini returns to IPL after a gap since 2023. The right-arm pacer made his league debut for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in 2019 after being picked by Delhi Daredevils in 2017. He quickly gained fame for his raw pace and hit-the-deck bowling. In his IPL career so far, Saini has played 32 matches and taken 23 wickets at an economy rate of 8.88.
Career trajectory
An experienced pace option for KKR
Saini started his IPL career with RCB before moving to Rajasthan Royals, where he last played in 2023. At the 2024 auction, Rajasthan had bought him for ₹2.60 crore, but he went unsold ahead of IPL 2026 before being signed by KKR as a replacement. His inclusion gives the franchise an experienced Indian pace option amid an injury-hit bowling attack.
Upcoming matches
KKR begin their IPL 2026 campaign against MI
KKR, who failed to qualify for the playoffs last season, will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against five-time champions Mumbai Indians on March 29 at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Saini's inclusion in the squad is expected to bolster KKR's bowling attack as they look to make a strong comeback this season.