New Delhi, March 25: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have signed Navdeep Saini for the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, replacing the injured Harshit Rana. Saini, who previously played for Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), joins the team for a fee of ₹75 lakhs.
Rana was ruled out of the tournament due to a ligament strain in his right knee sustained during the T20 World Cup, further weakening KKR’s bowling unit. Additionally, Akash Deep and Matheesa Pathirana are also sidelined due to injuries.
The right-arm fast bowler has played 32 matches in his IPL career, taking 23 wickets. He has also claimed 23 wickets in international cricket for India.
Expressing his excitement about joining the three-time champions, Saini stated, “I feel great because when we mention Kolkata Knight Riders, it carries a unique feeling. As a Knight Rider, I am thrilled. I found out about this last night, and I was at a loss for words on how to react.”
He added, “I knew that with my hard work and the way things were progressing, there was already a plan in place that has now come to fruition. To be honest, it has become a reality. So, I knew this could happen at any time. But it is essential to have faith in God, and I did just that. I enjoyed every moment of this journey.”
The fast bowler referred to this opportunity as a “rebirth,” reflecting on the ups and downs he faced over the past two to three years. “During those times, it was crucial to stay resilient. Even when challenges arose, I kept myself grounded, practiced, and never stopped working hard. This opportunity is the result of that perseverance. Hence, I can call it my ‘rebirth.’”
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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