With less than 48 hours to go for India's opening game of T20 World Cup 2026, tournament co-hosts have been dealt with a massive injury blow in the bowling department. Fast bowler Harshit Rana is unlikely to be part of their campaign due to an injury sustained during India's warm-up game against South Africa on Thursday (February 4).
Rana sustained an injury to his joints while bowling during India's 30-run win at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav admitted that the signs didn't look good for his bowling all-rounder at the pre-match press conference.
"He is still not ruled out but looks doubtful. We will know by evening," said Suryakumar.
"He had a niggle during the warm-up game on Wednesday (versus South Africa at DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai) but the situation is not very encouraging."
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India, however, are taking no chances and have named Mohammed Siraj as the replacement player, just in case. Siraj, who has represented India in 16 T20Is, last played an international game in this format during the tour of Sri Lanka in July 2024. Subsequently, the Hyderabad pacer has found himself out of the pecking order in the shortest format with the selectors preferring him for Tests and ODIs.
While the official confirmation is awaited on Rana's exit, it appears to be just a matter of time. Meanwhile, Siraj is expected to join the Indian squad on Friday evening (February 6) with India set to play their World Cup opener against USA on Saturday (February 7).
