In a huge blow, all-rounder Harshit Rana has been ruled out of the upcoming Indian Premier League edition. Rana injured his knee during a warm-up fixture against South Africa in Navi Mumbai ahead of the T20 World Cup and has missed action since then. The 24-year-old underwent surgery in Mumbai on February 9 but will not recover in time to play for KKR in the cash-rich league.Rana played a crucial role in KKR’s 2024 title-winning campaign, returning with 19 wickets, which helped him become a regular feature for India across formats. He was retained by the franchise for Rs 4 crore ahead of the 2025 season, and he picked up 15 wickets in the 13 games he played. It is understood that KKR are yet to decide on a replacement for the all-rounder, and expects players like Akash Deep, Vaibhav Arora, Umran Malik and Kartik Tyagi to make the most of the opportunities which come their way. “Harshit Rana unfortunately will not be available but it gives the opportunity to other bowlers in the squad – Vaibhav, Umran, Kartik and Akash – to step up and grab the opportunity. No replacement has been decided yet,” a source tracking developments told TimesofIndia.com.There is also no clarity on Matheesha Pathirana’s participation, as he injured himself during the T20 World Cup and is currently recovering. Earlier on Friday, the franchise signed Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani.The 6 ft 8 in right-arm pacer has developed into one of Zimbabwe’s leading bowlers in the shortest format, known for generating steep bounce and taking wickets during crucial phases of an innings.Muzarabani brings considerable experience in T20 cricket, having taken more than 90 wickets in over 80 T20 Internationals at an impressive average of around 21. His best bowling figures in the format stand at 3/8.Muzarabani is scheduled to arrive in Kolkata on March 17 to link up with the KKR squad and begin preparations for the 2026 campaign.
