India fast bowler Harshit Rana is likely to miss the upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury. According to a report by news agency PTI on Wednesday, the Delhi pacer needs more time to regain full fitness and has not yet returned to competitive cricket.
Rana last played a competitive match on July 7, 2026, when India faced England at Trent Bridge. Although he was included in India’s squad for the Afghanistan T20I series on September 1, his selection was subject to fitness clearance. “He has not yet fully recovered from his hamstring injury. He will need more time,” a BCCI source was quoted as saying.
The injury could also put Harshit Rana’s participation in the Asian Games 2026 at risk. According to the Times of India, the pacer’s availability for the continental event remains uncertain, with India scheduled to begin its Asian Games campaign on September 28.
ALSO READ: Nitish Reddy Clear Fitness Test, Set To Join India Squad For Afghanistan T20Is
Meanwhile, India have received positive updates on the fitness of several other players. Spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar, who was also recovering from a hamstring issue, has reportedly been declared fit for the Afghanistan series. Jasprit Bumrah and Nitish Kumar Reddy are also on track to return to action. “Both Bumrah and Reddy are on track for their comeback,” the BCCI source said.
Harshit Rana unlikely for Afghanistan T20Is; Asian Games in danger too.
Rana injured himself while participating in a match simulation, part of RTP protocol, on Tuesday. Prince is front runner to be added to both squads.
Clarity on Bumrah in 12 hours.…
— Sahil Malhotra (@Sahil_Malhotra1) September 9, 2026
Bumrah has not played competitive cricket since July 16, 2026. The premier fast bowler was initially selected for India’s Test series in Sri Lanka last month but was subsequently replaced by Auqib Nabi Dar after failing to recover from his injury. Nitish Reddy, meanwhile, last featured during India’s ODI series against Afghanistan in June.
An injury suffered during the third ODI subsequently ruled him out of the T20I assignments in Ireland and England. India have also recalled wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson for the Afghanistan T20Is after he missed the Zimbabwe series. Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel are also part of the squad, with Shreyas Iyer named captain.
ALSO READ: Shivam Dube Reveals How CSK Culture Gives Players Freedom and Confidence
India’s squad for T20I series against Afghanistan: Shreyas Iyer (C), Sanju Samson (WK), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (WK), Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma (VC), Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Jasprit Bumrah.
