KKR’s problems increase, Harshit Rana may be out of IPL 2026, questions on Mathisha Pathirana’s fitness also

By Samira Vishwas On Mar 14, 2026

Before the start of IPL 2026, Kolkata Knight Riders may face a big blow. The team’s star fast bowler Harshit Rana may be out of the entire season due to injury, while the situation regarding the fitness of Mathisha Pathirana is also not clear.

Before the IPL 2026 starting from March 22, the troubles of Kolkata Knight Riders seem to be increasing. The team’s Indian star fast bowler Harshit Rana may be out of the entire season due to injury. The Delhi fast bowler was selected in India’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2026, but he suffered a knee injury during the warm-up matches, due to which he was ruled out of the tournament.

According to the Times of India report, KKR is currently looking for a possible replacement for Rana, although no official announcement has been made by the franchise yet. Meanwhile, the team on Friday (March 13) signed Zimbabwean fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman. It is noteworthy that Mustafizur was released from the team following the guidelines of BCCI.

The problem has not ended here. Apart from this, the fitness of another big player of the team, Mathisha Pathirana, is also a cause of concern. This Sri Lankan fast bowler, who was bought for Rs 18 crore, also had to be ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2026, after which there is doubt over his playing in the IPL.

Pathirana has struggled with injuries in the past too and this was the reason why his old team Chennai Super Kings had released him. KKR included him in the team to solve the problem of death overs, but at the moment it is not clear whether he will be able to play in IPL 2026 or not. In such a situation, the situation has become a bit difficult for the team led by captain Ajinkya Rahane.

KKR will start its campaign in IPL 2026 against Mumbai Indians on March 29 at the Wankhede Stadium. After this, the team will play three consecutive home matches on 2, 6 and 9 April, in which it will face Sunrisers Hyderabad, Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants.