Harshit Rana's comeback date revealed amid IPL 2026
Published - 11 Apr 2026, 07:05 PM
Table of Contents
In positive news for the India National Cricket Team, young fast bowler Harshit Rana is slowly getting back on track after the big injury setback. After missing the recent ICC T20 World Cup 2026 and the ongoing IPL 2026, Nitish Rana’s return to action is now looking brighter.
It has been a difficult time for Rana after sustaining a serious knee injury, which forced him out of action at a time when he was starting to build his place in the India National Cricket Team. But now, things are improving, and the Delhi lad can make a comeback sooner than expected.
Harshit Rana recovering well after surgery
In February 2026, Harshit Rana underwent knee ligament surgery under the supervision of well-known orthopedic surgeon Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwalla at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai.
Read Also: Virat Kohli fans target and abuse Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after RR youngster destroys RCB in IPL 2026
Since then, Rana has been closely monitored by the BCCI as he has been focusing fully on recovery. Rana has already joined the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, where he has started his rehab and training.
This phase will decide how quickly he can return to competitive cricket. Rana was last seen in action for India in the T20I series against New Zealand in January 2026 at home.
Harshit Rana on track to return for Afghanistan ODIs
As reported by a Times of India journalist, Harshit Rana is recovering faster than expected, and if everything goes as planned, the pacer is likely to make his comeback in the ODI series against Afghanistan in June at home. However, chances of him facing Afghanistan are high.
A source close to the development was quoted as saying by TOI: “Harshit Rana checked into the CoE three days back. He is doing well, and his knee is recovering faster than expected. He has gained a bit of weight, which means that his fitness is a bit of a concern. He will need to work on his fitness.”
The Men in Blue are scheduled to be in Afghanistan in a three-match ODI series with the matches scheduled for June 14 in Dharamshala, June 17 in Lucknow, and June 20 in Chennai.
Harshit Rana’s absence hurts KKR in IPL 2026
Rana’s absence was a big setback for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the ongoing IPL 2026. However, the three-time champions have signed Navdeep Saini as the replacement for the injured pacer for this season, where they have been struggling at ninth place in the points table.
Read Also: Marco Jansen’s one-handed blinder stuns Ishan Kishan in PBKS vs SRH clash
KKR are yet to open their account this season, losing three straight games and having one match washed out against PBKS at Eden Gardens. They are currently gearing up to face the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on April 14 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Lalit Modi urges KKR to bring Gautam Gambhir back
After witnessing KKR’s recent downfall, former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi has made a bold suggestion. He wants the Kolkata franchise to bring Gautam Gambhir back to the side at any position after his mentorship helped them win the third title in 2024.
Modi posted, X: “I agree. That @GautamGambhir IS WITHOUT AN IOTA of Doubt. In my mind he was the BEST PERSON for @KKRiders—the team management needs to do WHATEVER, and I say it again WHATEVER IT TAKES to LURE him back. Incentivize him. Like Shane Warne had equity options. Lock him in for a LONG LONG TERM—give him stock options—I hope they are smart to do that. He does not fall within the player auction purse—get him to be the face of the team. There needs to be A PLAYER FACE OF THE TEAM. Gautam should be Kkr’s MAIN STRATEGIST GLOBALLY. NO ONE BETTER.”
It has to be with actual power. Zero interference. It’s actual time now - from next season that I hope all team owners Shift the focus from themselves to the team. The teams should now run thru professional management. With little or zero interference with day to day management… https://t.co/J64zeHxZdc
— Lalit Kumar Modi (@LalitKModi) April 10, 2026
About the Author
Rashmi Wasnik is a passionate content writer with over a decade of experience. She started her journ...
