India have likely been dealt a huge blow as Harshit Rana is likely to be ruled out of India's squad for the T20 World Cup 2026. His potential unavailability was hinted by India skipper Suryakumar Yadav, a day ahead of the start of the tournament.
"He (Harshit) is still not ruled out, but looks doubtful. We will know by evening. He had a niggle during the warm-up game on Wednesday (versus South Africa at DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai) but the situation is not very encouraging," Suryakumar Yadav said a day before India's tournament opener against the USA.
The Indian captain might not have stated it, but credible sources in the team have informed that there is no chance that Rana would recover at any stage of the tournament.
"Don't worry, we have 11 players for tomorrow. But it obviously would be a big blow because you make a squad of 15 after a lot of thought and he was included after some thought process," said Suryakumar.
"But if he is not available going forward, we will then set different combinations. We have enough players and combinations against all teams that we can have for this tournament but if we miss him (for not being available), we will definitely miss him," he added. His availability is set to be confirmed by the end of the day.
Rana was able to bowl only one over in the warm-up game against South Africa, conceding 16 runs before hobbling off the field with a knee injury.
Although Rana is not a guaranteed member of the playing XI - having an economy rate of 10.60 in nine T20Is - he could have been a useful option in certain conditions. He also offers value as a lower-order hitter.
Mohammed Siraj likely to join team as replacement
Meanwhile, if Rana is ruled out, Mohammed Siraj is set to join the team as a replacement, ANI reported, quoting sources. All-rounder Washington Sundar is also looking doubtful after sustaining a side strain and a rib muscle tear.
“We will look at which fast bowlers have performed really well over the last one or two years, or if there is any bowler who can bat as well,” Suryakumar said while discussing the available options.
“But there is no hard and fast rule that he must be able to bat. If you’re expecting someone at No. 9 or No. 10 to come out and hit a six, then what are the other eight players doing before him? We do have a few options, and we will pick the best one,” he added.
