The positive news for the Indian national cricket team is that young fast bowler Harshit Rana is slowly getting back on track after a major injury. After missing the recent ICC T20 World Cup 2026 and the ongoing IPL 2026, Nitish Rana’s return to action now looks great.
It has been a tough time for Rana after a serious knee injury kept him out of action at a time when he was just starting to force his way into the India national cricket team. But now, the situation is improving and the Delhi player can make a comeback sooner than expected.
Harshit Rana is recovering after surgery
In February 2026, Harshit Rana underwent knee ligament surgery under the supervision of renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai.
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Since then, Rana is being closely monitored by the BCCI as he focuses completely on recovery. Rana has already joined the BCCI Center of Excellence in Bengaluru, where he has started his rehabilitation and training.
This phase will decide how soon he can return to competitive cricket. Rana was last seen playing for India in the T20 series against New Zealand at home in January 2026.
Harshit Rana on the way to return for Afghanistan ODI
Harshit Rana is recovering faster than expected, and if everything goes as per plan, the fast bowler is likely to make a comeback in the home ODI series against Afghanistan in June, reports a Times of India journalist. However, he is more likely to face Afghanistan.
TOI quoted a source close to the development as saying, “Harshit Rana checked in at the COE three days ago. He is doing well and his knee is healing faster than expected. He has gained a little weight, which means his fitness is a bit of a concern. He will need to work on his fitness.”
The Men in Blue are scheduled to participate in a three-match ODI series in Afghanistan with the matches taking place on June 14 in Dharamsala, June 17 in Lucknow and June 20 in Chennai.
KKR is missing Harshit Rana in IPL 2026
Rana’s absence was a big blow for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the ongoing IPL 2026. However, the three-time champions have signed Navdeep Saini as a replacement for the injured fast bowler for this season, where they are struggling at ninth place on the points table.
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KKR are yet to open their account this season, having lost three consecutive games and one match against PBKS at the Eden Gardens was washed out due to rain. They are currently preparing to face Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on April 14 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Lalit Modi urges KKR to bring back Gautam Gambhir
After watching KKR’s recent collapse, former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi has made a bold suggestion. He wants the Kolkata franchise to bring Gautam Gambhir back into the team at any cost, as his guidance helped them win their third title in 2024.
Modi posted, Doesn’t come in – He has to be the face of the team. Gautam should be the main strategist of KKR at the world level.
It must be with real power. Zero interference. Now is the real time – from next season onwards I expect all team owners to shift their focus from themselves to the team. Teams must now go through professional management. With little or zero intervention in daily management… https://t.co/J64zeHxZdc
– Lalit Kumar Modi (@LalitKModi) 10 April 2026