Harshit Rana ruled out of T20 World Cup? Skipper SKY gives an update on pacer's injury

India’s T20 World Cup preparations have been hit by fresh injury scare as young pacer Harshit Rana limped off the field during the warm-up match against South Africa at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai on Wednesday.

The 24-year-old bowler, who only managed to bowl one over conceding 16 runs, appeared to be in discomfort, aborting his delivery stride twice before clutching his knee and walking off the field. He did not return to bowl in the match, sparking concern among teammates and support staff.

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India captain Suryakumar Yadav said on Friday that Rana has not been ruled out yet, but the early signs are not encouraging. “Harshit Rana has not been ruled out yet, the physios are assessing him but he does not look good,” he said.

The India skipper also hinted that the team is preparing for alternatives if Rana is unavailable. “We will see which fast bowlers have done well in last 1-2 years or bowlers who can bat. But if you are expecting a No 9 to hit out, what are the top eight doing? We will try to pick the best one,” Yadav said. He added, “You make a squad thinking combinations, if he (Rana) is unavailable, then we have enough players to make new combination. If we miss him, we will definitely miss him. We will look at fast bowlers who can bat also, but no hard and fast rule. We have options.”

Rana’s fitness concern comes as India continue to monitor all-rounder Washington Sundar, who missed the recent T20 series against New Zealand due to a side strain but is expected to return for the tournament. There was some relief for the team as Tilak Varma returned from injury, impressing with a 45-run cameo off 19 balls in the warm-up match and contributing an economical over with the ball.

India secured a 30-run win over South Africa in the warm-up fixture. Ishan Kishan starred with a 53-ball 20, including seven sixes, as India posted 241 for five, before the bowlers restricted South Africa to 210 for seven, with contributions from nine different bowlers including Abhishek Sharma, who took two wickets.

India will open their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign on February 7 at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai against the USA, with Rana’s availability now one of the key fitness questions ahead of the global event.