Big blow for India as Harshit Rana is ruled out of the 2026 T20 World Cup with a knee injury. Mohammed Siraj steps in as the Men in Blue prepare to defend their title
New Delhi: Just hours before beginning their T20 World Cup title defense, Team India made a dramatic change to their squad. The team brought in experienced fast bowler Mohammed Siraj to replace emerging star Harshit Rana, who withdrew from the tournament after suffering a serious knee injury.
The team, serving as defending champions, will begin their campaign on February 7 against the USA at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, making this a race against time for the team’s chemistry.
Heartbreak for Harshit Rana
The Bengal pacer, who is 24 years old was really good at playing cricket in his country. He was very happy. People thought he would do well in the World Cup.. Something bad happened during a practice game, against South Africa on February 4. The Bengal pacer saw his World Cup dreams cut short. He was not able to play in the World Cup like he wanted to. The Bengal pacer was very sad.
After bowling just six deliveries, Rana clutched his knee in visible pain. He consulted Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwalla on February 6, who confirmed a lateral meniscus tear. The serious injury will keep the young pacer out for several months, creating a gap in India’s “raw pace” department.
“Miyaan Magic” Factor
Although Rana’s exclusion is a setback, the BCCI has opted for the last safety net. Mohammed Siraj—a key part of India’s 2024 championship win—is already in Mumbai and will be joining the training camp.
Why Siraj makes sense:
Big match experience: He has already gone through the heat of ICC knockouts.
New ball specialist: His ability to swing the ball at pace is world-class.
Experience: At 30 years old, with experience in multiple formats, he maintains composure in high-pressure death overs.
Adjusting the Blueprint
India initially built its strategy around Rana’s pace and unpredictability. With Mohammed Siraj’s inclusion, the team management now shifts to a more disciplined and conventional seam attack. Siraj is likely to line up alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, forming one of the strongest pace trios in the tournament.
Although an official BCCI statement is expected tonight (February 6), it is being welcomed as a practical option for the team playing on home pitches.
Injuries are an unfortunate reality in elite sports, but keeping a player with the talent of Siraj on the bench is a luxury that only a few teams can afford. As the Blue team takes the field at Wankhede, attention shifts from the medical room back to the boundary ropes. India is still a team to beat, and Siraj is ready to prove why he belongs at the world stage.