Mohammed Siraj Joins India T20I Squad; Harshit Rana Likely Out of World C
Mohammed Siraj has been called up to replace the injured Harshit Rana in India’s T20 World Cup squad. This decision comes as a relief for the team just days before their opening match against the USA.
Harshit Rana’s Injury Details
Harshit Rana sustained an injury during a warm-up match against South Africa on February 1, 2026. The injury occurred as he attempted to bowl, leading to him exiting the field early. He managed to bowl only one over, conceding 16 runs.
Following the incident, Rana consulted Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwalla and is facing a potential long-term absence from the game. The team management decided against risking his health further, acknowledging the severity of the injury.
Preparation for T20 World Cup
With Rana’s condition still uncertain, team captain Suryakumar Yadav has commented on the situation. While he did not officially rule Rana out, he noted, “The physios are assessing him but he does not look good.”
India’s T20 World Cup opener is scheduled for February 7 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Siraj will join the squad in time for this crucial match.
Team Composition and Strategy
In light of Rana’s injury, Yadav mentioned that the team will evaluate which fast bowlers have performed well in the past seasons for replacement options. He stressed that while having a bowler capable of batting is beneficial, the primary focus should remain on the team’s overall strategy.
Current Squad Updates
- Washington Sundar is included in the squad despite missing the New Zealand series due to a side strain.
- Tilak Varma, initially ruled out, has returned and participated in two warm-up matches.
Defending champions India are set to kick off their T20 World Cup campaign against the USA, aiming for a successful title defense.
