Harshit Rana Officially Ruled Out of T20 World Cup Due To Knee Injury; Mohammed Siraj Drafted In As Replacement

Harshit Rana has been ruled out of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. The Indian seamer suffered a knee injury during the pre-tournament warm-up fixture against South Africa in Navi Mumbai. The selection committee has promptly drafted a replacement, with Mohammed Siraj stepping in for the marquee spectacle. 

The Indian cricket team encountered some injury troubles in the lead-up to the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. Stars like Tilak Varma, Washington Sundar and Harshit Rana suffered injuries, prompting concern as India is set to begin its title defence.

Knee Injury Forces Harshit Rana To Pull Out From T20 WC; Siraj Named As Replacement

Harshit Rana suffered an injury in the warm-up fixture against South Africa. The fast bowler injured his right knee while bowling in the pre-tournament warm-ups. After showing symptoms of effusion, restricted range of motion and lateral joint line tenderness, the scans eventually confirmed a lateral meniscus tear.

Upon their consultation with specialists, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has revealed that Harshit Rana has been ruled out of the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026. 

“Following consultations with a specialist and subsequent scans, the BCCI medical team deemed him unfit to participate in the tournament. The team management wishes him a speedy recovery,” the BCCI wrote in a statement. 

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India’s updated squad: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Ishan Kishan (WK), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (VC), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Washington Sundar, Mohd. Siraj.

India To Kick Off T20 World Cup Group-Stage Campaign In Mumbai 

The Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian cricket team kicked off their preparations with the New Zealand T20Is. The Men in Blue sealed a commanding 4-1 series victory, with the batters putting up an utterly dominant performance throughout the series.

Team India went up against South Africa in the pre-tournament warm-ups, picking up a 30-run victory over South Africa in the competition.

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The Indian cricket team will kick off its T20 World Cup group stage campaign against the USA on February 7, 2026, at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.