Bad news hit Indian cricket hard recently. Harshit Rana’s injury ruled him out of the T20 World Cup 2026. Now reports suggest his IPL 2026 participation looks doubtful too.
The franchise that owns his contract faces a serious problem now. Finding a quality fast-bowling all-rounder isn’t easy this late. Five unsold auction players could solve this headache though.
Top 5 Players Who Might Replace Harshit Rana
Several talented bowlers went unsold despite having IPL experience. KKR might turn to these proven performers if Harshit Rana in IPL 2026 remains uncertain. Let’s break down each option available.
- Chetan Sakariya – The Former KKR Player
Sakariya already knows the KKR setup from last season. That familiarity gives him an edge over other candidates. Going unsold shocked many people who follow IPL 2026 closely.
His left-arm pace brings variety to any bowling attack. KKR could bring him back without any adjustment period needed.
- Akash Madhwal – The MI and RR Veteran
Madhwal played for two big franchises – Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals. His experience shows he can handle IPL pressure situations well. Shah Rukh Khan’s team might see value in his skillset.
Going unsold doesn’t mean he lost his bowling ability overnight. Sometimes, auction dynamics work against good players.
- Simarjeet Singh – The Occasional Match-Winner
Sunrisers Hyderabad used Simarjeet last season before releasing him. He delivers strong performances when given opportunities. Those occasional brilliant spells make him worth considering for Harshit Rana in IPL 2026.
Consistency remains his biggest challenge moving forward. But raw talent? He’s got plenty of that.
- Rajvardhan Hangargekar – The All-Rounder Like Rana
Hangargekar mirrors Rana’s dual skillset perfectly – batting plus bowling. Recent domestic cricket improved his game significantly. That development caught many IPL 2026 scouts’ attention.
His all-round abilities offer KKR tactical flexibility in team selection. Young and improving players often surprise everyone.
- Kamlesh Nagarkoti – The Returning KKR Boy
Nagarkoti started his IPL career with KKR years ago. Fitness issues destroyed his momentum back then. Reports now confirm he’s fully fit and bowling well.
A direct replacement for Harshit Rana makes perfect sense here. KKR knows his potential from previous seasons together. Sometimes the best replacement is someone you already know.
