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Siraj Set to Replace Injured Harshit Rana in India's T20 World Cup Squad

Indian pacer Harshit Rana has been ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2026 due to an injury sustained during a warm-up match against South Africa. Team captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed the physios are assessing Rana, who bowled just one expensive over before leaving the match. In a likely replacement, experienced fast bowler Mohammed Siraj is set to join the squad, though he last played a T20I in mid-2024. This injury deepens the defending champions' concerns, especially with doubts already existing over all-rounder Washington Sundar's fitness.

Key Points: Siraj to Replace Injured Harshit Rana in India T20 WC Squad

  • Harshit Rana ruled out with injury
  • Mohammed Siraj likely replacement
  • Injury occurred in warm-up vs South Africa
  • Adds to India's fitness concerns ahead of title defense
2 min read

Siraj likely to replace Harshit Rana in India's T20 WC squad: Sources

Mohammed Siraj is likely to replace the injured Harshit Rana in India's T20 World Cup 2026 squad, adding to the team's fitness concerns.

"Harshit was not looking good after the warm-up game. The physios are assessing it. - Suryakumar Yadav"

By Vipul Kashyap, Mumbai, February 6

Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj is likely to replace Harshit Rana following an injury to the latter, as per sources.

Rana has been ruled out of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 due to an injury, said sources. Harshit Rana was injured during Team India's T20 WC 2026 warm-up match against South Africa on Wednesday.

India's captain Suryakumar Yadav revealed, during the pre-match press conference ahead of the team's campaign-opener against the USA on Saturday, that Harshit Rana "was not looking good" after the warm-up match against South Africa, and the team physios are having a look at his injury.

"Harshit was not looking good after the warm-up game. The physios are assessing it," said Suryakumar.

The 24-year-old Delhi pacer managed just one over, giving away 16 runs, and played no further role in the match. Earlier in the match, Rana also batted for the Men in Blue, facing just one ball.

With doubts already looming over spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar's fitness, Rana's exit from India's campaign further deepens the defending champions' concerns ahead of the global event.

Harshit Rana has so far featured in nine T20Is for the Men in Blue. In those nine matches, the bowling all-rounder has scored 57 runs at an average of 28.5, with the highest score of 35. He has also scalped nine wickets at an average of 33.0 with the best figures of 3/33.

On the other hand, Siraj, a Test cricket mainstay for India, last played a T20I for India against Sri Lanka in Pallekele back in July 2024. He has taken 14 wickets in 16 matches at an average of 32.28, with an economy rate of 7.79 and best figures of 4/17.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Siraj is a proven performer, but his T20I record is a bit concerning. Economy of nearly 8 is on the higher side for this format. Hope he finds his rhythm quickly. The team needs all bowlers to be on point.
A
Aman W
Why always last minute changes? First Washington Sundar, now Rana. Our bench strength is being tested before the tournament even begins. Feeling nervous for the campaign opener.
S
Sarah B
Watching from the US, but my heart is with Team India! Siraj has that fire we need. His Test match temperament could be an asset in pressure situations. Go Blue! 💙
V
Vikram M
Rana's all-round ability will be missed. He could chip in with the bat. Siraj is a pure bowler. Hope the team management has a plan for the lower order batting now. Jai Hind!
K
Karthik V
Siraj hasn't played a T20I since 2024. That's a long gap. Warm-up matches are crucial for him to get back into the groove. Let's trust the management's call. #TeamIndia

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