Amid swirling rumors of a tournament-ending exit, India captain Suryakumar Yadav has clarified the status of pacer Harshit Rana.
The Indian captain confirmed that while the situation regarding Rana is concerning, team management has not made a final decision to replace him yet.
Suryakumar Yadav on Harshit Rana: “Harshit Rana has not been ruled out yet, the physios are assessing him but he does not look good. 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.”
How Harshit Rana got injured?
On February 4, India took on South Africa in Navi Mumbai to fine-tune their combinations. With Jasprit Bumrah rested for the practice game, Rana was expected to lead the attack and showcase his “X-factor” pace.
He appeared physically uncomfortable from his first ball. During the fifth over of the Proteas’ chase, his rhythm completely deserted him.
Rana aborted his delivery stride twice – a rare sight for the disciplined pacer. Despite the discomfort, he pushed through to finish the over, conceding 16 runs to Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton.
Immediately after the final delivery, Harshit was seen clutching his right knee in distress. He limped off the field and did not return to the match.
Rana to undergo surgery?
As per reports, BCCI medical team has confirmed the worst-case scenario. Scans have reportedly revealed a Lateral Meniscus tear, a serious injury that often requires surgical intervention. If these reports turn out to be true then Rana is all but confirmed to miss T20 World Cup 2026 tournament for India.
While captain Suryakumar Yadav initially hoped for a miracle, stating the physios were “assessing” him, reports say confirm that doctors have recommended surgery to avoid long-term damage.
Selection Headache
Harshit Rana wasn’t just a bowler; he was India’s tactical bridge at No. 9, providing rare lower-order hitting power along with 145+ kmph pace. His absence leaves India without their primary “hard-length” specialist who could also clear the ropes.
The Replacement: Mohammed Siraj is the frontrunner to join the squad in Mumbai before India’s opening clash against USA on Saturday (Feb 7). Other names in the mix include Prasidh Krishna and left-armer Khaleel Ahmed.
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