India’s injury concerns ahead of the T20 World Cup intensified on Wednesday after fast bowler Harshit Rana suffered a fresh injury scare during a warm-up match against South Africa at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy. The incident added to the growing list of fitness issues troubling the defending champions just days before the tournament.

The 24-year-old Delhi pacer bowled only one over in the match, conceding 16 runs, before walking off the field in visible discomfort. Rana was seen limping shortly after completing his opening over, raising immediate concerns among the team management and support staff watching from the sidelines.

During his brief spell, Rana appeared to struggle with his run-up and delivery stride, pulling out of his action on two occasions. He was later seen clutching his knee and hobbling off the field, effectively ending his participation in the warm-up fixture. No immediate medical assessment was made public during the game.

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An official update from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is awaited, and the severity of Rana’s injury remains unclear. His fitness status is now under close observation as the Indian team finalises its plans for the World Cup opener.

The setback comes at a time when India is already monitoring the recovery of all-rounder Washington Sundar, who sustained an injury during the first ODI against New Zealand. Sundar is yet to join the World Cup squad, and it remains uncertain whether he will regain full fitness in time for the tournament.

On a positive note for India, Tilak Varma returned to action after recovering from his own injury. The left-hander scored 45 runs in the warm-up match before being dismissed by Marco Jansen and also bowled one economical over, conceding nine runs, offering some relief to the injury-hit Indian camp.

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