Harshit suffers injury scare before T20 World Cup

• India beat SA by 30 runs in T20 WC warm-up.
• Pacer Harshit Rana suffered knee injury scare.
• Washington Sundar also has a rib injury concern.

India’s dominant 30-run win over South Africa in their lone warm-up match ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 came with a worry. Just days before the defending

champions begin their title defence, pacer Harshit Rana suffered an injury scare. The 24-year-old was forced to walk off the field after showing visible discomfort while bowling.

The warm-up fixture at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai was meant to fine-tune combinations. The Men in Blue scored 240 runs in 20 overs and looked brilliant across departments. However, with injuries already troubling the squad, most notably all-rounder Washington Sundar, Rana’s setback added to the team management’s growing fitness concerns. 

Rana’s injury became apparent during South Africa’s chase. The Delhi pacer bowled the opening over of his spell but struggled to find his rhythm. He pulled out of his run-up twice while attempting to deliver his second over. Moments later, Rana was seen clutching his knee in discomfort before hobbling off the field.

Rana bowled just one over in the contest, conceding 16 runs. While the exact nature of the injury remains unclear, visuals of him walking off the field sparked concern. As of now, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has not released an official update regarding the severity of the knee issue or his availability for the opening matches.

With nine T20Is to his name, the right-arm pacer was expected to be in contention for a playing XI spot, competing closely with Kuldeep Yadav depending on conditions. India’s concerns are affected by Washington Sundar’s ongoing fitness concern.

The all-rounder has not played since sustaining a rib injury during the ODI series against New Zealand and remains at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, undergoing workload assessment. While Tilak Varma has returned to full fitness and featured in the warm-ups, Sundar’s and now Rana’s situations leave the team waiting for medical clarity.