Harshit Rana out of the T20 World Cup: India have suffered an early setback ahead of their opening match in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, as fast bowler Harshit Rana has been ruled out of the tournament due to injury. The 24-year-old sustained a knee injury during a practice match against South Africa, forcing the team management and the BCCI medical panel to take a tough call just days before the competition begins.
With Harshit Rana out of the T20 World Cup, the selectors have named experienced pacer Mohammed Siraj as his replacement. This marks Siraj’s return to India’s T20 squad after a long gap of 556 days, adding both experience and depth to the bowling attack.
Injury During Practice Match Ends Rana’s Campaign
The incident occurred on February 4 in Navi Mumbai, during India’s warm-up match against South Africa. Harshit Rana, who was making a strong case for a regular spot in the playing XI, complained of knee discomfort after bowling a short spell. Following immediate medical attention, he was taken off the field and later sent for scans.
After consultations with specialists and reviewing scan reports, the BCCI medical team declared Rana unfit for the remainder of the tournament. According to sources, the nature of the injury makes a quick recovery unlikely, ruling out any chance of his return later in the competition.
Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed the development, stating that the physios were closely monitoring Rana but admitted that the chances of recovery were slim.
Limited Action Before Injury
Harshit Rana’s involvement in the warm-up game was minimal due to the injury. The Delhi-born pacer bowled just one over, conceding 16 runs, before leaving the field. He also faced only one delivery while batting, underlining how early the injury occurred in the match.
Despite the limited action, Rana’s absence is being felt strongly, as he was seen as a key backup fast bowler for Indian conditions.
Harshit Rana’s T20I Career So Far
Before being sidelined, Rana had started to establish himself at the international level. Below is a quick look at his T20I record:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 24 years |
| T20I Matches | 9 |
| Runs Scored | 57 |
| Wickets Taken | 9 |
| Best Role | Right-arm fast bowler |
While his numbers are modest, Rana’s pace, bounce, and aggression had impressed selectors and fans alike.
Mohammed Siraj Returns After Long Absence
With Harshit Rana out of T20 World Cup 2026, the team management turned to Mohammed Siraj as a like-for-like replacement. Siraj last featured in a T20 International on July 30, 2024, against Sri Lanka, making his return after nearly one and a half years.
Siraj’s inclusion brings experience, especially in pressure situations, and he is expected to play a crucial role in the middle overs and death bowling.
| Player | Last T20I Appearance | Comeback Gap |
|---|---|---|
| Mohammed Siraj | 30 July 2024 vs Sri Lanka | 556 days |
Apart from Siraj, names like Prasidh Krishna and Khaleel Ahmed were also discussed, but the selectors opted for Siraj’s proven international exposure.
India’s Campaign Begins Against USA
The T20 World Cup 2026, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, gets underway on February 7. Defending champions India will kick off their campaign against the United States on Saturday at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
The team will be keen to start strong, especially after the disruption caused by Rana’s injury and ongoing fitness concerns around Washington Sundar, whose availability is still under observation.
Also read: Sri Lanka T20 World Cup Squad 2026 Announced: Kamindu Mendis Returns, Shanaka Named Captain
India Beat South Africa in Warm-Up Clash
Despite the injury setback, India enjoyed a successful warm-up outing against South Africa, winning the match by 30 runs at the DY Patil Stadium.
Batting first, India posted a massive total of 240 for 5, powered by an explosive innings from Ishan Kishan, who smashed 53 runs off just 20 balls. The South African side fought back in the chase but could only manage 210 for 7, falling short of the target.
| Match Detail | Result |
|---|---|
| Venue | DY Patil Stadium |
| India Score | 240/5 |
| South Africa Score | 210/7 |
| Result | India won by 30 runs |
Big Test for India’s Depth
With Harshit Rana out of the T20 World Cup, India’s squad depth will be tested early in the tournament. Siraj’s return adds stability, but the team will hope there are no further injury concerns as the competition progresses.
As India prepare for their opening clash against the USA, all eyes will be on how the bowling unit reshapes itself without Rana—and whether Siraj can make an immediate impact on his return to T20 international cricket.
