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.
India Vs South Africa 2nd ODI: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli Warm Up As India Aim To Seal Series in Raipur
December 3, 2025
The stage is set at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Raipur as the excitement builds for the India Vs South Africa 2nd ODI. With the series on the line, KL Rahul’s India will look to secure a decisive win, banking once again on the leadership presence of Rohit Sharma and the exceptional form of Virat
India vs South Africa: Raipur Prepares for Blockbuster 2nd ODI as Fans Go Crazy for Kohli, Rohit
December 3, 2025
As the countdown begins for the India vs South Africa second ODI, Raipur is witnessing a level of cricket fever it has rarely experienced before. The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium — India’s third-largest cricket venue — has hosted only two international matches so far, both in 2023. But after two years of waiting, the city is buzzing once again
IND vs SA, 2nd ODI: Dew Dilemma in Raipur – Will India Pick Washington Sundar or Nitish Reddy?
December 2, 2025
IND vs SA, 2nd ODI: What’s the par score when chasing in the first ODI? 400, or nearly. Such was the influence of dew. India got relatively lucky in the sense that the dew initially assisted them with the new ball to get the ball skidding on, and South Africa lost wickets in a clutch. Had they preserved wickets in
Lakers vs Suns: Doncic’s 38 Not Enough as Brooks Powers Phoenix to Victory
December 2, 2025
NBA 2025, Lakers vs Suns Highlights: The Los Angeles Lakers lost 108-125 to the Phoenix Suns at the arena, ending their seven-game winning streak. Lakers vs Suns Highlights: At the Arena, the Los Angeles Lakers lost 108-125 to the Phoenix Suns, ending their seven-game winning streak. Despite another 38-point masterclass from Luka Dončić, who struggled to find additional scoring support
WTC 2025-27: New Zealand Target Strong Start as Kane Williamson Leads Comeback
December 2, 2025
New Zealand, the final of the nine teams participating in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle, is set to start their campaign. They haven’t played a Test match against Zimbabwe in four months, and their last WTC match was a year ago when England visited them and won the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy 2-1. Kane Williamson, who skipped the Tests against
Rate Cut Debate Intensifies As RBI Prepares To Announce Monetary Policy On Friday
December 1, 2025
As the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) readies itself for the crucial monetary policy announcement this Friday, the financial markets remain sharply divided on whether the central bank will opt for a rate cut or maintain the current policy stance. With India’s GDP delivering a robust 8.2% growth and inflation slipping to a multi-decade low, the RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee
India vs South Africa: Kohli–Rohit Heroics Seal Crucial Win in Ranchi as Kaif Says “Old Is Still Gold”
December 1, 2025
In a gripping India vs South Africa ODI clash in Ranchi, former cricketer Mohammed Kaif delivered a strong verdict: without Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, India had no chance. His analysis came after the senior duo produced a commanding partnership that proved decisive in India’s narrow 17-run victory. India vs South Africa: Kohli’s Century and Rohit’s Fifty Change the Game
Sunil Gavaskar Hails Virat Kohli as ODI’s Ultimate GOAT, Says ‘Surpassing Sachin Is No Small Feat
November 30, 2025
In a defining moment for modern cricket, Virat Kohli’s 52nd ODI hundred in Ranchi has not only rewritten the history books but also reignited — and perhaps conclusively ended — the long-standing debate about the greatest one-day batter of all time. Moments after Kohli surpassed Sachin Tendulkar’s iconic mark of 51 ODI centuries, Sunil Gavaskar publicly crowned him the “undisputed
Crystal Palace vs Man United: Mateta’s Goal Sets the Tone in Early Action
November 30, 2025
The highly anticipated Crystal Palace Vs Man United Premier League encounter at Selhurst Park has opened off with drama, energy, and early momentum for the hosts. As Jean-Philippe Mateta puts Palace in front, the stakes grow even higher for both teams in this tightly congested Premier League season. United Under Pressure After Everton Defeat Manchester United arrived in south London
Abhishek Sharma Smashes 12-Ball Fifty in SMAT 2025 as Punjab Captain Leads From the Front
November 30, 2025
In a sensational display of power-hitting, Abhishek Sharma stunned the cricketing world by smashing a 12-ball half-century in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025. The world’s No.1 T20I batter, who is captaining Punjab in this year’s tournament, unleashed an extraordinary knock against Bengal on Sunday morning (November 30) at the Gymkhana Ground in Hyderabad. Abhishek Sharma Hits 12-Ball 50
1 thought on “Harshit Rana Ruled Out of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Due to Knee Injury; Mohammed Siraj Named Replacement”