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With the 2026 Indian Premier League just days away, teams are rushing to lock in their final squads and the last-minute changes are coming in fast.
Two franchises, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Gujarat Titans (GT), have made key adjustments to their bowling lineups as injuries continue to disrupt pre-season planning.
KKR Bring in Saini for Injury Cover
KKR have officially added Navdeep Saini to their squad as a replacement option for the injured Harshit Rana.
Saini, known for his raw pace and experience in high-pressure matches, gives KKR a reliable domestic option heading into the tournament.
With several teams struggling due to unavailable fast bowlers, having someone like Saini who can deliver speed and bounce could prove valuable, especially in the early matches.
Gujarat Titans Make Quick Replacement Move
Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans have acted swiftly by signing Kulwant Khejroliya as a replacement for Prithviraj Yarra.
This move highlights how teams are prioritizing squad balance and depth, particularly in the bowling department where injuries have hit hard across franchises.
Khejroliya brings left-arm variation, which could be useful on different surfaces throughout the tournament.
Injury Wave Hits IPL Teams
These changes are part of a broader trend ahead of IPL 2026.
Several franchises are dealing with:
- Injuries to frontline pacers
- Players arriving late or unavailable
- Fitness concerns after international schedules
As a result, teams are being forced to rely more on backup domestic talent than initially planned.
Why Bowling Depth Matters
In a long tournament like the IPL, having strong backup options is crucial.
Fast bowlers, in particular, face:
- Heavy workloads
- Risk of recurring injuries
- Demanding match schedules
That’s why teams are now focusing heavily on building bench strength, especially in pace departments.
Final Preparations Before March 28
With the season set to begin on March 28, franchises are entering the final phase of preparation.
Most squads are now:
- Finalizing playing combinations
- Testing backup players
- Adjusting strategies based on availability
Even small changes like these replacements can have a big impact once the tournament begins.
What to Watch
As IPL 2026 kicks off, keep an eye on:
- How replacement players perform under pressure
- Whether injury-hit teams can maintain consistency
- Surprise breakout performances from lesser-known names
Because in the IPL, it’s often these late additions that end up becoming the biggest stories of the season.
