In a massive blow to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of the IPL 2026 season, star pacer Harshit Rana has been sidelined due to a serious injury. The news was confirmed on Friday, leaving the Purple and Gold fans in shock just days before the team’s opening clash against Mumbai Indians.

According to KKR coach Sandip Sarkar, the team is scheduled to fly to Mumbai on March 25th for their high-voltage opener on March 29th. However, Rana will not be part of the traveling squad. The coach revealed that the franchise is already looking for a suitable replacement and an official announcement will be made before the team leaves for Mumbai. Harshit, who was expected to lead the domestic pace battery, leaves a void that KKR needs to fill urgently. Whether the management goes for an experienced campaigner or a young sensation remains the biggest question in the corridors of Eden Gardens.