Team India will be without Harshit Rana at the T20 World Cup 2026, with reports confirming that the fast bowler has been ruled out of the tournament. India open their campaign against the USA on February 7. Although Rana wasn’t touted to be a regular in India’s first-team XI, he was supposed to be a great squad option. With his developing talent of hanging around with the bat, Rana was an option if India wanted to tweak their combination. However, if he gets ruled out (if reports are true), India may not have an absolute like-for-like replacement for Rana.
How did Harshit Rana get injured?
Rana picked up the injury during India’s only warm-up game against South Africa in Navi Mumbai on February 4. Defending a big total, the right-arm pacer looked uncomfortable from the moment he began his spell. He bowled just one over before clutching his knee and walking off the field. It prompted concern within the team management. Although he was taken to cleaners by Ryan Rickelton and Aiden Markram, Rana never returned to make amends.
Further assessments over the past two days have now ruled him out, with no risk being taken so close to the start of the tournament. The BCCI is yet to issue a formal statement, but Rana will not be available for selection at any stage of the competition. As per TOI journalist Gaurav Gupta, Rana is ruled out of India’s T20 World Cup title defence.
What Harshit Rana’s absence means for India
Rana was never a guaranteed starter in India’s XI but was seen as a useful squad option. With Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel expected to be India’s primary bowling picks, Rana provided depth and flexibility, particularly if India needed to rest Bumrah or add batting depth at No. 8. His injury further stretches India’s fast-bowling resources, especially with Washington Sundar also under medical watch. India are expected to stick with their existing plans for the opener against the USA, but Rana’s exit leaves the team technically with just 13 players to choose from.
Cricket
Mohammed Siraj to replace injured Harshit Rana in India's T20 World Cup 2026 squad
