Amid concerns over Harshit Rana’s fitness, the Indian team management has reportedly shortlisted Mohammed Siraj as his replacement for the 2026 T20 World Cup that gets underway from Saturday. Defending
champions India face USA in their opening match of the tournament at the Wankhede Stadium tomorrow.
On Friday, various media reports claimed that Rana suffered a lateral meniscus tear during India’s T20 World Cup warm-up fixture against South Africa earlier this week, which has ruled him out from the tournament. Rana was seen holding his knee during the match and walked off the field after bowling just one over in which he conceded 16 runs.
While India captain Suryakumar Yadav says that Rana isn’t officially out yet, he admitted he’s “not looking good”.
“Harshit Rana hasn’t been ruled out yet, physios are assessing him, but he doesn’t look good,” Suryakumar told reporters in Mumbai on Friday ahead of India’s opening match against USA.
“It’s a big blow because of the combination we make, keeping in mind 15 players. If he misses out, we will definitely miss him. We have enough options. We shall look at the replacements of fast bowlers that are there. We shall pick the best one. I know there is the case of someone batting at no. 9 like Harshit, but having said that, the first 8 batsmen will do what then?! They have to bat,” he added.
Siraj didn’t make the cut in India’s original squad for the tournament, with Indian selectors preferring young Rana who has been impressive with the ball, besides proving in recent games his utility with the bat as well.
Siraj, who was part of India’s title-winning squad of the World Cup two years back, hasn’t played a T20I since July 2025. He has picked up 14 wickets in 16 T20Is at an economy of 7.79.
India are in Group A of the tournament alongside Pakistan, USA, Namibia, and Netherlands.
