J&K pacer Sunil Kumar in KKR camp

Srinagar, Mar 23: Jammu & Kashmir left-arm pacer Sunil Kumar has been called up by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and is currently training with the franchise’s camp, sources within the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association confirmed.

The development comes in the wake of an injury to KKR pacer Harshit Rana, who has been ruled out of the ongoing Indian Premier League season, prompting the franchise to explore replacement options.

According to sources, Sunil Kumar is among several players who have been asked to join the KKR camp as the team assesses potential replacements.

“Yes, he has been called and is currently with the KKR camp. The franchise is looking at a few options, and he is one of them,” a JKCA official said.

Sources added that KKR has reached out to multiple players across domestic circuits, with two to four names under consideration. The final decision on replacement is yet to be taken.

Sunil Kumar’s inclusion in the camp follows an impressive run in the 2025–26 domestic season, where he emerged as one of the leading wicket-takers for J&K in the Ranji Trophy. His ability as a left-arm seamer is understood to have worked in his favour, given the variety it offers in T20 formats.

While his presence in the camp marks a significant step, an official signing or inclusion in the playing squad will depend on the franchise’s final call in the coming days.

If selected, Sunil Kumar could become the latest cricketer from Jammu & Kashmir to break into the IPL.

Notably, Jammu & Kashmir has steadily made its presence felt in the Indian Premier League over the years, with players like Parvez Rasool becoming the first from the region to feature in the league, followed by Rasikh Salam and Umran Malik, who rose to national prominence with his express pace. The latest star to emerge from the region is Auqib Nabi, who created history by becoming the costliest-ever IPL buy from J&K after being picked by the Delhi Capitals for a whopping Rs 8.40 crore in auction, following a remarkable run in domestic cricket.

Auqib, a bowling all-rounder known for his consistency and wicket-taking ability, has been one of the standout performers for J&K in recent seasons, including impressive outings in the Ranji Trophy and white-ball formats. Alongside him, another tall J&K pacer and handy with the bat, Yudhvir Singh continues to feature in IPL and is currently part of Rajasthan Royals.