Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are unlikely to look for injury replacements for Harshit Rana and Mathisha Pathirana for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. According to a report in Cricbuzz, the franchise management has decided not to sign new fast bowlers for them.
The schedule for the first phase of IPL 2026 with 20 matches was announced on 11 March. The Ajinkya Rahane-led side will play four matches, starting against Mumbai Indians (MI) on March 29. After this they will play three home matches against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
Harshit Rana will miss the entire season for Kolkata Knight Riders
Harshit Rana recently underwent surgery after a knee injury. Harshit Rana was ruled out of the recent T20 World Cup and the upcoming IPL season due to injury.
Since his debut in 2022, Harshit Rana has taken 40 wickets in 34 matches at an average of 25.72 and an economy rate of 9.51. In 2025, the right-arm fast bowler took 15 wickets in 13 matches at an average of 29.86 and an economy rate of 10.18, with best figures of 3/25.
He also took 19 wickets during the 2024 edition. Kolkata Knight Riders will now rely on their domestic pace options, which include Vaibhav Arora, Umran Malik, Karthik Tyagi and Akash Deep.
Mathisha Pathirana is expected to return soon
Mathisha Pathirana suffered a left leg injury during the T20 World Cup 2026 against Australia. He took two wickets at an economy rate of 6.15 in three matches during the tournament.
Kolkata Knight Riders are optimistic about his recovery. After spending ₹18 crore to sign him, the management is unlikely to look for a foreign replacement. The team hopes that he will be available in the later stages of the tournament.
Pathirana has previously played for Chennai Super Kings for four seasons. He has taken 47 wickets in 32 matches at an economy rate of 8.68. During the 2023 title-winning season, he took 19 wickets in 12 innings at an economy rate of 8.00.
Blessing Muzarabani replaces Mustafizur Rahman
Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders have signed Blessing Muzarabani as the replacement for Mustafizur Rahman following the direction of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
However, the move has caused tension with Islamabad United and the Pakistan Super League. Muzarabani left Islamabad United deal to join IPL.
Pakistan media also compared the situation to that of Corbyn Bosch, who was banned for a year by the Pakistan Cricket Board after leaving Peshawar Zalmi to join Mumbai Indians last season.
After winning their third title in 2024, the Knight Riders faced a disappointing 2025 season. They finished eighth in the points table with just five wins from 14 matches.
The franchise will be aiming to make a strong comeback this year with a new support staff. Abhishek Nair will be the head coach, Shane Watson will be the assistant coach, Dwayne Bravo will be the mentor and Tim Southee will be the bowling coach.
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