ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Indian fast bowler Harshit Rana has been ruled out of the T20 World Cup. Harshit has a knee injury. The Indian team is scheduled to play its first match of the T20 World Cup against the USA on Saturday. Harshit's withdrawal before this match is a major blow for Team India. Indian fast bowler Harshit Rana's participation in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 had become doubtful after he sustained an injury during a warm-up match against South Africa in Navi Mumbai. Rana suffered the injury while bowling in India's warm-up match. He stopped his run-up twice in one over, clutched his knee, and walked off the field. He bowled only one over, conceding 16 runs.
On February 5, the day after the injury, Harshit Rana underwent a clinical examination, which revealed swelling in the knee, restricted movement, and severe pain along the lateral joint line. Subsequent scans confirmed a serious injury to his lateral meniscus. The lateral meniscus is the cartilage pad located on the outer side of the knee.
“Team India pacer Harshit Rana has been ruled out of the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after sustaining a knee injury during the warm-up match against South Africa in Navi Mumbai on February 4th 2026,” the BCCI said in a statement on Friday.
“Following consultations with a specialist and subsequent scans, the BCCI medical team deemed him unfit to participate in the tournament,” it added.
Rana is a player who can add depth to the batting lineup in this format. However, if all the other players remain fit, his unavailability shouldn't be a major cause for concern. In that case, Axar Patel is expected to bat at number eight, and Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh will be India's two fast bowlers.
Mohd. Siraj Named as Replacement
India have named senior pacer Mohammed Siraj as the replacement for Harshit Rana. Mohammed Siraj last played a T20 International match in July 2024. He is now likely to make a comeback to the playing XI. So far, he has taken 14 wickets in 16 T20 Internationals at an economy rate of 7.79. Recently, Siraj showcased his excellent form by taking seven wickets in four matches for Hyderabad in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, with an impressive economy rate of 5.81.
India’s updated Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Ishan Kishan (WK), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (VC), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Washington Sundar, Mohd. Siraj.
India's Group Stage Schedule
February 7. 7:00 PM. India vs USA. Mumbai
February 12. 7:00 PM. India vs Namibia. Delhi
February 15. 7:00 PM. India vs Pakistan. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
February 18. 7:00 PM. India vs Netherlands. Ahmedabad.
