Harshit Rana Ruled Out of World Cup, Mohammed Siraj Named as Replacement

India pacer Harshit Rana has been ruled out of the upcoming T20 World Cup after sustaining a knee injury. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that the youngster has been withdrawn from the World Cup squad due to the injury, with experienced fast bowler Mohammed Siraj named as his replacement.

Harshit Rana picked up the injury during India’s warm-up match against South Africa in Navi Mumbai on February 4. He was forced to leave the field after bowling just one over. Following scans and consultations with medical specialists, the BCCI medical team declared him unfit to take part in the tournament.

In a statement, the BCCI said:
“Team India pacer Harshit Rana has been ruled out of the upcoming T20 World Cup after sustaining a knee injury during the warm-up match against South Africa. After necessary scans and consultations with specialists, the medical team has taken this decision. We wish him a speedy recovery.”

The T20 World Cup is set to begin on February 7, and this setback could have some impact on India’s bowling attack ahead of the marquee event.

No Update Yet on Washington Sundar’s Injury

Meanwhile, the BCCI is yet to provide any final update on Washington Sundar’s injury. The all-rounder is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru after suffering a side strain. He was also absent from the ICC’s official photoshoot ahead of the World Cup.

India captain Suryakumar Yadav has said that the team management will wait for Sundar to regain full fitness. Although Sundar has started batting in the nets, no official announcement has yet been made regarding his availability for matches.

Opening Combination Finalised, Sanju Samson on the Bench

Captain Suryakumar Yadav has also confirmed that Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma will open the batting for India in the World Cup. Sanju Samson has been left out of the playing XI after failing to make an impact in the New Zealand series. Reports further claim that the wicketkeeper-batter did not bat in the nets on the eve of India’s opening match against the USA on February 7.

India Squad

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