Harshit Rana injury update: India pacer Harshit Rana has been ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2026 with a knee injury, and Mohammed Siraj is set to replace him in India’s squad.
The development comes just days after Rana left the field during India warm-up outing against South Africa in Navi Mumbai. What initially appeared to be a precautionary concern has now resulted in his exclusion from the tournament squad.
What Happened to Harshit Rana in the IND vs SA Warm-Up Match?
The injury occurred during India’s unofficial India warm-up match against South Africa at the DY Patil Stadium. Harshit Rana pulled out of his run-up twice during a single over. He was seen holding his knee shortly after. The pacer hobbled off the field and did not return. He bowled just one over, conceding 16 runs, raising concerns about the nature of the injury.
India were bowling after posting a massive total, but Rana’s outing ended abruptly, prompting immediate concern from the team management. Aside from Harshit Rana, Ishan Kishan retired out as did Abhishek Sharma, but those were done after they hit a few balls to give chances to the rest.
Nature of Harshit Rana’s Injury – What We Know So Far
Though the BCCI has not yet issued a detailed medical report, the injury is understood to be knee-related.
Key details:
- Knee discomfort during delivery stride
- Unable to complete run-up
- Left the field without visible on-field treatment
- Ruled out ahead of India’s tournament opener
The short turnaround before India’s first match against USA at the Wankhede Stadium left little room for recovery.
Will Harshit Rana Be Fit for T20 World Cup 2026?
No, Harshit Rana has been ruled out the T20 World Cup 2026.
Mohammed Siraj to Replace Harshit Rana in T20 World Cup Squad
With Harshit Rana ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2026, Mohammed Siraj is expected to be named as his replacement. Siraj brings significant international experience and strengthens India’s pace depth alongside Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Hardik Pandya and the medium pace of Shivam Dube.
The selection also addresses concerns raised by Suryakumar Yadav about team balance, particularly Rana’s ability to bat at No. 9.
Siraj’s inclusion provides a more established bowling option, even if it slightly alters the lower-order batting flexibility.
India begin their campaign against the USA at the Wankhede Stadium on February 7, leaving a short window for assessment. Warm-up injuries are typically evaluated within 24–48 hours, following scans and medical reviews.
Latest Harshit Rana injury status: Harshit Rana has been declared unfit for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 on the eve of the IND vs USA match and has been replaced by Mohammed Siraj.
What Harshit Rana Being Ruled Out Means for India’s T20 World Cup 2026 Campaign
Losing Harshit Rana is a setback, particularly given the combination India had built around 15 players. However, the squad retains depth in both pace and all-round options.
India begin their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign against USA on February 7. With Mohammed Siraj likely joining the squad immediately, the focus now shifts fully to match readiness rather than injury uncertainty.
For now, the Harshit Rana injury update confirms one thing clearly: he will not feature in the T20 World Cup 2026, and India have moved swiftly to secure a replacement.
