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India’s rising fast bowler Harshit Rana has officially been ruled out of the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 following a successful surgery on his knee. The pacer, who was a surprise inclusion in the initial squad, suffered a serious injury during India’s warm-up fixture against South Africa.
The Injury and Surgery
Rana took to Instagram on Monday, February 9, 2026, to share a health update with his fans from his hospital bed.
- The Post: “Surgery done right, now focused on recovery and getting back to what I love,” the pacer wrote.
- How it Happened: The injury occurred during the warm-up match against South Africa. Rana managed to bowl only one over, conceding 16 runs, before hobbling off the field in visible distress.
- The Diagnosis: Medical scans revealed a significant knee issue that necessitated immediate surgical intervention to ensure long-term fitness.
The Replacement: Mohammed Siraj’s Instant Impact
With Rana sidelined, India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav made a quick call to veteran pacer Mohammed Siraj, who was remarkably added to the squad just 48 hours before India’s opening clash.
- IND vs USA: Siraj made an immediate impact at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, finishing with figures of 3/29.
- Siraj’s Reaction: “Surya Bhai called me two days before the game. It was a whirlwind, but I’m glad I could contribute to a winning start,” Siraj revealed after India’s victory over the USA on Saturday.
What’s Next for Harshit Rana?
The focus for the young speedster now shifts toward a long rehabilitation process.
- IPL 2026 Hopes: Rana is a vital asset for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), having been a key retention for the franchise. The KKR management is hopeful that he will recover in time for the 2026 season, which is set to begin in late March.
- Recovery Timeline: While the exact duration is unknown, specialists suggest a recovery period of 6 to 8 weeks before he can resume light bowling.