There is growing speculation among Kolkata Knight Riders fans about the fitness of pacer Harshit Rana. The franchise has not yet confirmed whether he will be available for the upcoming Indian Premier League season.
However, the current condition of his injury suggests that his chances of playing appear very slim. KKR may soon have to start looking for a replacement.
Rana attended an awards ceremony organised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India on Sunday. The young pacer received the award for Best Debutant in Men’s Cricket for last year.
But Rana could not even walk up to the stage to collect the honour. Instead, Arun Dhumal, chairman of the IPL, stepped down from the stage and personally handed the award to him at his seat.
Another video of Rana from the event has gone viral on social media. In the clip, he can be seen walking with the help of crutches.
Even attending the BCCI function appeared difficult for the fast bowler. Holding a crutch in his right hand, Rana was struggling to move.
Security personnel were seen clearing the crowd in front of him so that he could walk without any difficulty.
With less than two weeks left before the IPL begins, Rana is still unable to walk normally. A fast bowler needs to sprint during his run-up. Reaching that level of fitness will take time.
Only after that can the pacer think about returning to competitive cricket.
Although KKR have not officially commented on the situation, it appears increasingly likely that Rana may miss this year’s IPL.
Sources close to the franchise have already hinted on social media that the pacer might not be available for the tournament.
KKR’s pace department is already facing challenges. The franchise recently signed Blessing Muzarabani as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman.
Now the team may have to find another replacement if Rana is ruled out.
Reports suggest the franchise is considering several options. Bowlers such as Akash Madhwal, Simarjeet Singh, and Chetan Sakariya are believed to be on their radar.
It now remains to be seen when the Shah Rukh Khan-owned franchise officially announces a replacement for the injured pacer.
