India have suffered a setback ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 as all-rounder Harshit Rana has been ruled out of the tournament due to a knee injury. Rana picked up the injury during India’s warm-up match against South Africa in Navi Mumbai, where he managed to bowl just one over before leaving the field with a strapped knee.
Following medical consultations and scans, the BCCI medical team declared Rana unfit to continue in the competition. As a result, fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has been drafted into the squad as his replacement.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav had earlier expressed concern over Rana’s condition, admitting that the injury did not look encouraging. Despite the blow, he assured that the team has enough combinations to manage the situation. India’s squad already includes all-rounders like Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel and Shivam Dube, providing depth in both batting and bowling.
Siraj, who last played a T20I in July 2024, brings vast T20 experience, having featured in 160 matches and taken 183 wickets overall. However, Rana’s absence will be felt, especially after his recent lower-order batting heroics against New Zealand.
