T20 World Cup 2026: Injury rules Harshit Rana out; Mohammed Siraj named as replacement

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced Mohammed Siraj as Harshit Rana's successor for the forthcoming T20 World Cup. Rana's injury to his knee during a warm-up match against South Africa in Navi Mumbai has officially disqualified him from the 20-team event.

Rana clutched his knee in pain during the practice match and had to leave the field after delivering just one over. Before Saturday's competition opening, Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav said that the injury does not appear to be serious, as he was later spotted with his thigh bandaged. His participation in the match was terminated after he was observed clutching his knee after pulling up in his bowling stride twice. In the one over he bowled, he conceded 16 runs.

Mohammed Siraj Replaces Harshit Rana:

🚨 DSP SIRAJ arrived in Mumbai for the World Cup. 🚨

Mohammed Siraj joined Team India as a replacement for Harshit Rana in the T20 World Cup.

Siraj’s time in the T20 World Cup. pic.twitter.com/74wiXWz94L

— Sonu (@Cricket_live247) February 6, 2026

Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, who are anticipated to be the front-line quicks, will now join Siraj in India's pace attack. Shivam Dube may contribute a few overs if needed, but Hardik Pandya will remain the seam-bowling all-rounder. Siraj was a member of the 2024 Indian T20 World Cup-winning team, although his contribution was little as he only took one wicket in three games at an average of 57 and an economy rate of 5.18. In the later phases of the competition, Arshdeep Singh took his place. The right-arm bowler has participated in 16 games altogether, taking 14 wickets at an average of 32.28, but hasn't played in a Twenty20 International since July 2024.

In a press release released on Friday, BCCI quotes, “Following consultations with a specialist and subsequent scans, the BCCI medical team deemed him unfit to participate in the tournament. The team management wishes him a speedy recovery."

India's bowling combination seems to be established, hence Siraj is unlikely to be in the starting lineup. On February 7, India will play the United States of America in the opening match of their T20 World Cup campaign at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium. The co-hosts are placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, Namibia, the USA, and the Netherlands.

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