MUMBAI – Uncertainty looms large over Harshit Rana’s participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup after the promising Indian all-rounder suffered a knee injury during a warm-up match. The 9-match T20 specialist limped off the field at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Wednesday, just one over into his spell against South Africa. Captain Suryakumar Yadav has reassured fans that no official decision has been made to drop Rana from the squad yet.
Sources close to the team revealed that discussions are intensifying on potential replacements, with senior pacer Mohammed Siraj emerging as the frontrunner. Seam-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy and fast bowler Prasidh Krishna are also in contention. ‘A final call on Rana’s replacement hasn’t been taken,’ a source told IANS on Friday. ‘Consultations with all stakeholders will decide between Siraj, Nitish, and Prasidh, but Siraj holds a slight edge.’
Siraj brings a wealth of experience with 16 T20Is under his belt, including a starring role in India’s triumphant 2024 T20 World Cup campaign. Prasidh Krishna, fresh off a record-breaking IPL 2025 season where he claimed 25 wickets, has featured in five T20Is for India, all in 2023. Nitish Reddy, with four T20Is, is currently turning out for Andhra in the Ranji Trophy quarter-final against Bengal.
The T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, kicks off on February 7. India opens its campaign against the USA on the opening day, setting the stage for high-stakes drama both on and off the field. As medical reports trickle in, cricket enthusiasts await clarity on whether Rana can recover in time or if one of these contenders will step into the spotlight.