India’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign has suffered an early setback with Harshit Rana being officially ruled out of the tournament due to a knee injury. The decision was confirmed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) less than 24 hours before India’s opening match against the USA.
Rana’s absence comes at a crucial moment, as the fast bowler was expected to play a key role in India’s plans for the global event on home soil.
Why Harshit Rana Was Excluded From the T20 World Cup
According to the BCCI, Harshit Rana sustained a knee injury during the warm-up match against South Africa in Navi Mumbai on February 4, 2026. After the incident, the Indian team management consulted a specialist, followed by medical scans and X-rays.
Following these evaluations, the BCCI medical staff concluded that Rana was not fit to participate in the remainder of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Official BCCI Statement
“Team India fast bowler Harshit Rana has been excluded from the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 following a knee injury suffered during the warm-up game against South Africa in Navi Mumbai on February 4th, 2026.”
Impact of Harshit Rana’s Absence on Team India
Over the past year, Harshit has been a consistent presence in India’s squads across formats. His recent performances had placed him among the regular selections, and he was widely expected to feature in India’s playing XI throughout the tournament.
His exclusion just before the tournament opener represents a significant disruption to India’s bowling plans.
Mohammed Siraj Named as Harshit Rana’s Replacement
To fill the vacant spot, the BCCI has named Mohammed Siraj as Rana’s replacement in the T20 World Cup squad.
Siraj last played a T20I in July 2024, shortly after India’s previous T20 World Cup triumph. He recently represented Hyderabad in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he picked up seven wickets in four matches with an economy rate of 5.81.
With Rana ruled out, Siraj is now in contention to secure a place in India’s playing XI as the tournament progresses.
Suryakumar Yadav’s Pre-Match Hint on Harshit Rana’s Fitness
Prior to the official announcement, India captain Suryakumar Yadav had already suggested that Rana’s participation was uncertain.
Speaking during the pre-match press conference in Mumbai, Yadav stated that the fast bowler was still under observation by the physiotherapy team but did not appear to be in good condition.
“Harshit Rana is still under consideration; the physiotherapists are evaluating him, but he appears to be in poor condition.”
This remark all but confirmed that Rana was unlikely to recover in time for India’s opening fixture.
India’s Updated Squad for T20 World Cup 2026
Following Harshit Rana’s exclusion, India’s revised squad for the tournament is as follows:
- Suryakumar Yadav (Captain)
- Abhishek Sharma
- Sanju Samson (WK)
- Ishan Kishan (WK)
- Tilak Varma
- Hardik Pandya
- Shivam Dube
- Axar Patel (Vice-Captain)
- Rinku Singh
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Arshdeep Singh
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Varun Chakaravarthy
- Washington Sundar
- Mohammed Siraj
Conclusion
The injury-enforced exit of Harshit is a major blow for India just as the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 gets underway. With expectations high and little time to adjust, India will now rely on Mohammed Siraj to step in and strengthen the pace attack.
As the tournament unfolds, the focus will remain on how India adapts to this late change and manages its bowling resources without one of its key fast bowlers.
✅FAQs(Frequently Asked Questions)
❓Why was Harshit Rana excluded from the T20 World Cup 2026?
Harshit Rana was ruled out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after suffering a knee injury during a warm-up match against South Africa in Navi Mumbai on February 4, 2026. Medical evaluations later declared him unfit to play.
❓ Who replaced Harshit Rana in India’s T20 World Cup squad?
The BCCI appointed Mohammed Siraj as the replacement for Harshit Rana in India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad ahead of the opening match against the USA.
❓ When did Harshit Rana sustain his injury?
Harshit picked up the knee injury during India’s warm-up game against South Africa on February 4, 2026.
❓ What did the BCCI say about Harshit Rana’s fitness?
The BCCI stated that after consulting a specialist and conducting X-rays, the medical team concluded that Harshit Rana was not fit to participate in the T20 World Cup.
❓ Did India’s captain comment on Harshit Rana’s condition before his exclusion?
Yes, Suryakumar Yadav mentioned in a pre-match press conference that Harshit Rana was being assessed by physiotherapists but appeared to be in poor condition.
Akhanda 2: Balakrishna Turns One-Man Army in a High-Voltage Mythic Actioner
December 12, 2025
Akhanda 2 arrives with the same unmistakable Boyapati Sreenu signature — thunderous elevation, divine mass moments, and an unapologetic dismissal of physics. Titled Akhanda 2: Thaandavam, the sequel transports audiences straight into a world where logic is politely asked to wait outside the theatre while Balakrishna takes over as the nation’s unofficial security force. Akhanda 2: Logic Steps Aside, Mythic
The Devil Review: Darshan’s Political Drama Stumbles Despite Massive Hype
December 12, 2025
Kannada cinema witnessed one of its most highly anticipated releases of the year as The Devil, starring Darshan, hit theatres on December 11. The political drama arrived amid huge buzz in Karnataka, intensified by developments surrounding the Renukaswamy case involving the actor. Fans showed unprecedented support, carrying the film on their shoulders despite Darshan’s absence from promotions. Early morning shows
India Vs South Africa 2nd T20I Match Live Updates: South Africa Won by 51 Runs
December 11, 2025
India vs South Africa 2nd T20I Match (India National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team): The IND Vs SA 2nd T20I of the ongoing five-match series unfolds today at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, where both India and South Africa enter the contest with contrasting motivations. After a commanding 101-run victory in
IND Vs SA 2nd T20I Preview: India Eye Series Edge as South Africa Seek Strong Comeback
December 11, 2025
The rapid turnaround between fixtures gives India and South Africa barely any time to reset as they arrive in Chandigarh for the IND Vs SA 2nd T20I. With both teams stepping into the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium under tight scheduling, the focus shifts instantly from Cuttack’s outcome to Wednesday’s crucial face-off. IND Vs SA 2nd T20I – Team News India
IND Vs SA 2nd T20I: Chandigarh Set for a High-Voltage Clash
December 10, 2025
As India and South Africa gear up for the IND Vs SA 2nd T20I, the tight scheduling leaves both teams with barely any time to regroup after the dramatic first match in Cuttack. Having only just arrived in Chandigarh, preparation time at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium is minimal ahead of the December 11 clash. A Rapid-Fire Schedule Leaves No
ICC Ranking Update: Rohit Sharma Stays on Top, Kohli Rises Fast
December 10, 2025
In a recent update to the ICC Rankings, Indian cricket maintains its lead in the ODI batting standings, with Rohit Sharma securely holding the world No.1 spot, while Virat Kohli has jumped two positions to regain the No.2 ranking. The two giants of Indian cricket have shown outstanding performance in recent series, narrowing the difference between them to merely eight
ICC Ranking Update: Virat Kohli Climbs to No. 2, Inches Closer to Rohit Sharma’s Top Spot
December 10, 2025
India’s star batter Virat Kohli has taken a significant leap in the ICC Ranking, rising two places to claim the No. 2 spot in the latest ODI rankings for batters. After a stellar performance in the recently concluded India vs South Africa ODI series, Kohli now stands just eight rating points behind Rohit Sharma, the current No. 1 ICC Ranking:
IND Vs SA T20I Live Score Updates: South Africa Win Toss In Cuttack, Opt To Bowl First. IND-175/6
December 9, 2025
Here are the full IND Vs SA T20I live updates, anticipated XIs, toss information, pitch evaluation, and early match highlights based exclusively on the details given In a much- awaited encounter, the 2024 T20 World Cup contenders meet again as India and South Africa kick off their five-match series on Tuesday (December 9) in Cuttack. The series represents an important
FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule: Groups, Dates, Venues and Match Timings Released
December 7, 2025
FIFA has officially unveiled the complete match schedule for the FIFA World Cup 2026, set to be co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19. The upcoming edition will be the largest World Cup in history, expanding from 32 to 48 teams and featuring 104 matches across 16 venues. The tournament begins on June 11,
History Made! Kohli Breaks Sachin Tendulkar’s World Record With 20th Player of the Series Award
December 7, 2025
In a landmark moment for cricket, Kohli has surpassed one of the biggest world records held by Sachin Tendulkar, becoming the first cricketer in men’s international cricket to win 20 Player of the Series (POTS) awards. The milestone came after his exceptional performance in the three-match ODI series between India and South Africa. Kohli Creates Global Record, Surpasses Tendulkar’s Legendary
1 thought on “Harshit Rana Ruled Out of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Due to Knee Injury; Mohammed Siraj Named Replacement”