India have been dealt a significant setback just a day before the start of the T20 World Cup, with fast bowler Harshit Rana ruled out of the tournament due to injury.
The right-arm pacer sustained the injury during a warm-up match against South Africa in Navi Mumbai on Wednesday. Rana managed to bowl only one over, conceding 16 runs from six balls, before knee pain forced him off the field. He was unable to complete his run-up on two occasions and was later seen walking off with visible discomfort.
Medical scans have confirmed a tear in the lateral meniscus of Rana’s right knee, and doctors have advised him to undergo surgery. As a result, he will take no further part in the World Cup.
India captain Suryakumar Yadav acknowledged the setback while speaking at a pre-match press conference. “Harshit doesn’t look to be in a good condition,” he said. “We will know everything today. If he is ruled out, it will be a big blow for us. We will have to explore other combinations, although our bench strength is strong.”
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to make a formal announcement on Rana’s injury shortly. However, The Indian Express has reported that Mohammed Siraj has been named as his replacement in the squad.
