Mohammed Siraj Called Up as Harshit Rana Exits T20 World Cup with Knee Injury
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a significant change to India's squad for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. Mohammed Siraj has been drafted in as a replacement for the injured pacer Harshit Rana, who has been ruled out of the tournament due to a knee injury.
Injury Details and BCCI Statement
According to an official statement released by the BCCI, Harshit Rana sustained the injury during a warm-up match against South Africa held in Navi Mumbai on February 4th, 2026. The 24-year-old Delhi bowler managed to bowl just one over, conceding 16 runs, and did not participate further in the match. He also faced only one ball while batting for the Men in Blue.
"Following consultations with a specialist and subsequent scans, the BCCI medical team deemed him unfit to participate in the tournament," the statement read. "The team management wishes him a speedy recovery. Mohd. Siraj will join the team as Harshit's replacement in the squad."
Impact on India's Campaign
Rana's exit adds to the fitness concerns for the defending champions, as doubts already loom over spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar's availability. This development could potentially affect India's bowling strategy and depth in the highly competitive global event.
Harshit Rana has represented India in nine T20 Internationals, showcasing his skills as a bowling all-rounder. In those appearances, he scored 57 runs at an average of 28.5, with a highest score of 35, and claimed nine wickets at an average of 33.0, with best figures of 3/33.
Mohammed Siraj's Return to T20I Cricket
On the other hand, Mohammed Siraj, a mainstay in India's Test cricket lineup, makes his return to the T20I setup. His last appearance in the shortest format for India was against Sri Lanka in Pallekele back in July 2024. Siraj brings experience and pace to the squad, having taken 14 wickets in 16 T20I matches at an average of 32.28, with an economy rate of 7.79 and best figures of 4/17.
Updated India Squad for T20 World Cup 2026
The revised squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 is as follows:
- Suryakumar Yadav (Captain)
- Abhishek Sharma
- Sanju Samson (Wicketkeeper)
- Ishan Kishan (Wicketkeeper)
- Tilak Varma
- Hardik Pandya
- Shivam Dube
- Axar Patel (Vice-Captain)
- Rinku Singh
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Arshdeep Singh
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Varun Chakaravarthy
- Washington Sundar
- Mohammed Siraj
This squad adjustment comes as India prepares to defend their T20 World Cup title, with the team management hoping for a seamless transition and strong performance from Siraj in the upcoming matches.
