In a major setback for defending champions India, young pacer Harshit Rana suffered an injury scare during their warm-up match against South Africa at the DY
Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on February 4, 2026.
The 24-year-old Delhi fast bowler, who has been a key addition to India's pace attack, limped off the field after bowling just one over, conceding 16 runs. He aborted his run-up twice and was seen clutching his knee in distress, raising concerns about his participation in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, which begins on February 7 with India's opener against the USA at Wankhede Stadium.
This incident comes amid existing fitness worries in the squad, including all-rounder Washington Sundar's rib injury and Tilak Varma's recent recovery from surgery. Harshit didn't bowl after his injury and was taken off the field.
Harshit Rana Injury Update
Rana's role as a hard-length bowler with lower-order batting ability has been crucial, providing depth alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh. His absence could disrupt India's bowling balance, and also his handy batting will be a big miss.
The BCCI has yet to release an official update on the injury's severity, but scans are expected soon. If Harshit's injury is a serious one, that can rule him out of the entire T20 World Cup, which would not just be a blow to the player, but a significant setback for India as well.
Read Here: T20 World Cup 2026: Full List Of Warm-Up Fixtures
Who can replace Harshit Rana in India Squad?
If Harshit Rana is sidelined, India will have to bring in a replacement for the World Cup. Ajit Agarkar and co. may have a few names in mind, but here are three players who are leading the race-
Prasidh Krishna
Prasidh Krishna is a natural replacement for Harshit Rana. The Karnataka bowler has found his rhythm in domestic tournaments and may well be recalled in the India squad if Rana misses out.
Khaleel Ahmed
A player in form, Rajasthan's Khaleel Ahmed can get his opportunity if Harshit Rana is sidelined. The left-arm pacer is with the India A team and recently picked up 3 wickets against USA as well. Khaleel was a reserve in the 2024 T20 World Cup as well, and he may be named if situation demands.
Mohammed Siraj
Mohammed Siraj has spearheaded the Indian bowling in Bumrah's absence in recent months. Although predominantly he is known for longer formats, Siraj can be a perfect weapon to unleash in Indian conditions. His ability to bowl across the overs makes him an attractive choice as replacement.
