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Harshit Rana and Matheesha Pathirana KKR Replacement News: Before the start of IPL 2026, many teams are facing injuries of players. In such a situation, teams are having to make changes in their squads, but three-time champion Kolkata Knight Riders have chosen a different path. The franchise has decided not to include any replacement for its two important fast bowlers Harshit Rana and Mathisha Pathirana at present. Although the situations of both the players are different, the team management has adopted a wait-and-see strategy.

Concern increased due to Harshit Rana’s injury

Indian fast bowler Harshit Rana is currently away from the team due to a knee injury. According to reports, he recently had to undergo surgery and it will take time to get fully fit. In such a situation, his chances of playing in IPL 2026 are considered very less. However, till now no official announcement has been made by the franchise or the team regarding his exit. Harshit Rana proved to be a very important bowler for KKR in the last two seasons. He took 19 wickets in IPL 2024, while in IPL 2025 also he strengthened the team’s bowling by taking 15 wickets. Still, the franchise has not decided to include any new player in the team.

The team has options for fast bowling

The current bowling lineup of the team is being considered an important reason behind this decision of Kolkata Knight Riders. The team management believes that they already have enough options for fast bowling. The team includes Indian fast bowlers like Vaibhav Arora, Umran Malik, Karthik Tyagi and Akash Deep. With these players, the franchise felt that there was no need to seek separate replacements at the moment.

Mathisha Pathirana expected to return

On the other hand, Sri Lankan fast bowler Mathisha Pathirana is also currently out of the team due to injury. Kolkata Knight Riders had signed him for Rs 18 crore for this season. According to media reports, the franchise is hopeful that Pathirana can join the team at some stage of the tournament. Even though he may not be available for the entire season, considering the possibility of his comeback, the team has not yet selected his replacement. Recently, his manager shared a picture of Pathirana in KKR jersey on social media, indicating that he may join the team soon.

A long tournament like IPL often affects teams’ plans due to injuries. In such a situation, the decision of Kolkata Knight Riders is considered interesting that instead of including a new player, they are relying on the existing squad. Now it will be interesting to see how effective this strategy proves to be for KKR during the tournament and how the team handles its bowling combination.