Harshit Rana arrives in Kolkata ahead of the Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings (KKR vs PBKS) match at Eden Gardens. His visit to the City of Joy has sparked a wave of speculation among KKR fans, as the fast bowling all-rounder has been ruled out of the entire IPL 2026 season due to injury.
After consecutive defeats, Kolkata team has not yet been able to register its first win in the season. The team’s bowling attack looked weak due to several injuries and the dismissal of Mustafizur Rahman. Sri Lankan fast bowler Mathisha Pathirana has also not joined the team yet.
Harshit Rana reaches Kolkata before KKR vs PBKS match
At a time when the team is looking for the best possible combination in its bowling with the limited resources available, speculations have started over Rana’s visit to Kolkata. Is he here in Kolkata to join the 2026 Indian Premier League camp? This question has been raised on social media platforms.
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It is learned that Harshit Rana has reached Kolkata not to join the night camp, but to support the team from the gallery. To show his support and stand by the team during the challenging hours, the seam bowling all-rounder is expected to be present in the stands during the match, which is scheduled to start at 7.30 pm today.
Quick update from KKR camp: Harshit Rana has come to Kolkata to support KKR for tonight’s match vs PBKS. For the avoidance of any doubt, he is here just to cheer on the boys and spend a day with the KKR family. @SportStarWeb
– Shayan Acharya (@ShayanAcharya) 6 April 2026
Navdeep Saini has been included in the team in place of Harshit Rana.
Harshit Rana has been ruled out of the entire IPL 2026 season after suffering a severe ligament strain in his right knee during the T20 World Cup warm-up match against South Africa.
The 24-year-old fast bowler had knee surgery in February and is undergoing rehabilitation. Navdeep Saini has been named as his replacement for Kolkata Knight Riders.
KKR vs PBKS match is in danger of being canceled
Due to the weather conditions in Kolkata, the scheduled match is now doubtful. A day before the match, due to rain and weather conditions, KKR’s planned outdoor training session was cancelled.
According to reports, KKR had planned to organize an intra-squad match, which had to be canceled due to rain. Later, some players conducted their training within indoor facilities.
According to the latest weather forecast, there is a 90 percent chance of rain during the match. The match is scheduled to start at 7.30 pm and the toss will take place at 7.00 pm. Both timings may be subject to change in case of rain.
The latest weather forecast shows a 60 per cent chance of rain around 7 pm. The probability of rain will increase from 8 to 9 pm.
During this period the probability of rain will be 90 percent. After that the weather is expected to improve. There is a 60 percent chance of rain around 10 pm. Due to the constant threat of rain, there is every possibility of the first match of the ongoing IPL 2026 in Kolkata being a washout tonight.
Read More: KKR vs PBKS Match Prediction IPL 2026, Match 12: Playing XI, Pitch Report, Head-to-Head
