Harshit Rana Ruled Out of T20 World Cup 2026 After Injury in Warm-Up

Indian fast bowler Harshit Rana has been ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2026 due to injury, sources confirmed on Friday. The setback comes just days before India’s tournament opener, putting the team’s bowling lineup under scrutiny ahead of crucial matches. Rana was part of the squad expected to lead India’s pace attack alongside senior bowlers.

Rana sustained the injury during India’s warm-up clash against South Africa on Wednesday. He limped off the field after struggling with joint tenderness, raising concerns about his fitness. In the match, his difficulties were evident as he conceded 16 runs in a single over, forcing the team management to rethink bowling strategies.

Captain Suryakumar Yadav addressed Rana’s injury at the pre-match press conference, stating that the bowler “does not look good” and that the team would await a final medical assessment. He emphasized that the management would make informed decisions based on Rana’s recovery and overall squad balance.

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Calling Rana’s possible absence a major challenge, Yadav noted that the team would need to explore alternative combinations for the T20 World Cup campaign. However, he reassured fans that India possesses sufficient bench strength to manage the setback and maintain competitive performance in upcoming matches.

When asked about potential replacements, Yadav clarified that it was not necessary to include another all-rounder. The final team composition would depend on match conditions and tactical requirements, and selectors would make a decision once all injury updates were received.

India are scheduled to play their first World Cup match against the USA on Saturday. With Rana likely sidelined, team management is expected to announce replacement options soon, while ensuring that India’s pace attack remains balanced for the high-stakes tournament.

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