'Getting back to what I love' - Harshit Rana shares positive injury update on return to cricket
Rana, who sustained the injury during India’s warm-up game against South Africa in Navi Mumbai just days before the World Cup opener, was ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2026.
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In a relieving moment for Indian cricket fans, rising pacer Harshit Rana has given a promising update on his recovery after undergoing surgery for a knee injury that ruled him out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Rana, who sustained the injury during India’s warm-up game against South Africa in Navi Mumbai just days before the World Cup opener, was unable to continue after bowling only a single over. The knee injury was so serious that it ruled him out of the tournament, and seasoned fast bowler Mohammed Siraj was subsequently drafted into the squad as his replacement.
Taking to social media, Rana shared a picture from his hospital bed following a successful procedure, putting hearts at ease with his optimistic message.
“Surgery done right, now focused on recovery and getting back to what I love,” he wrote in a caption to post on his official Instagram handle.
The 24-year-old seamer has sent a strong message to the fans with his update. Known for his express pace and handy lower-order batting ability, Rana’s absence was a blow to India’s plans, but the all-round depth within the squad helped ease concerns ahead of their Group A fixtures. It is to be noted that Rana will not make a comeback to the squad for the global tournament but is on his road to recovery for later.
Siraj, who was added to the squad late, made an immediate impact with a solid performance in India’s opener against the USA, proving the strength of India’s bowling options despite the setback. While Team India continues its title defence without Rana, his positive post-surgery update has given supporters hope that the fast bowler will be back in action before long, possibly eyeing a strong return during the upcoming IPL season with Kolkata Knight Riders.
‘God changed my destiny’ - Siraj opens up on dramatic T20I return
Before the T20 World Cup, Mohammed Siraj was nowhere near Indian management’s T20I plans, yet destiny had other plans for the Hyderabad pacer. He was named replacement for Harshit Rana before India’s USA clash. Siraj later on told the whole saga.
“But god changed my destiny. I was spending time with my family not so long ago. Suddenly, Suryabhai asked me to get ready, and I told him not to joke around. He said he was telling me the truth. It was shocking news, god had written all this, no one can change it, nothing is greater than that," Said Siraj.
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The Men in Blue will now play Namibia on February 12 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi, in a Group A encounter. They are also scheduled to play Pakistan (February 15) in Colombo and the Netherlands (February 18) in Ahmedabad to conclude their campaign in the group stages of the twenty-team tournament.
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