Harshit Rana injured ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026? Check details
India’s commanding 30-run victory over South Africa in their only warm-up match ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 was largely a confidence booster, but it also raised fresh concerns for the team management. With just days remaining before the defending champions begin their title defence, the match was overshadowed by an injury scare involving young pacer Harshit Rana. The 24-year-old fast bowler was forced to leave the field after experiencing visible discomfort during his spell, prompting immediate concern on the sidelines. The warm-up encounter at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai was designed to help the Indian side fine-tune combinations and assess match readiness under competitive conditions.
Harshit Rana suffers an injury scare ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026
India delivered an impressive all-round performance, piling up 240 runs in 20 overs and dominating the contest in most phases of the game. The batting lineup appeared in top form, while the bowlers backed it up with disciplined execution. Despite the emphatic win, the injury to Rana has complicated preparations. With fitness issues already affecting the squad - most notably all-rounder Washington Sundar - the latest setback has added to the growing list of concerns. As the tournament approaches, India’s medical and coaching staff will be hoping Rana’s issue is minor, as maintaining a fully fit squad remains crucial for a successful title defence.
Harshit Rana’s injury concern surfaced during South Africa’s run chase, casting a shadow over India’s otherwise strong warm-up performance. The Delhi pacer began his spell by bowling the opening over but appeared slightly off his usual rhythm from the outset. As he returned for his second over, Rana pulled out of his run-up on two separate occasions, clearly struggling to complete his delivery stride.
The discomfort soon became more evident. Moments later, Rana was seen clutching his knee, signaling to the support staff that something was wrong. He appeared in visible pain as he made his way off the field, raising immediate concerns among teammates and team officials. The sudden nature of the setback, especially so close to the start of the tournament, heightened anxiety within the Indian camp. Given Rana’s role as a pace option in the squad, the incident will be closely monitored by the medical team. Further assessment will determine the severity of the issue, with management hoping it is nothing more than a precautionary exit rather than a serious injury.
Harshit Rana was able to bowl only a single over in the contest, conceding 16 runs before his participation was cut short. While the precise nature of the injury is yet to be confirmed, images of the pacer walking off the field in visible discomfort immediately raised alarm within the Indian camp. As things stand, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not issued any official statement regarding the seriousness of Rana’s knee problem or his availability for the opening matches of the tournament.
The uncertainty is particularly concerning given Rana’s growing role in the T20 setup. With nine T20I appearances already under his belt, the right-arm fast bowler was firmly in contention for a place in India’s playing XI, with team selection expected to vary based on conditions. He was seen as a key option, especially in comparison with Kuldeep Yadav, depending on pitch and match requirements. India’s injury worries are further compounded by Washington Sundar’s ongoing fitness issues.
The all-rounder has not featured in a match since suffering a rib injury during the ODI series against New Zealand and continues his rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, where his workload is being closely monitored. Although Tilak Varma has returned to full fitness and participated in the warm-up fixtures, the uncertain status of both Sundar and Rana has left the team management awaiting crucial medical clarity ahead of the tournament’s opening phase.
