Former India cricketer and current Delhi head coach Sarandeep Singh has backed the Indian team management amid growing questions over Harshit Rana’s repeated injury setbacks. Sarandeep believes the national setup does not rush players back into competitive cricket and insists that every player must receive the required fitness clearance from the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (COE). Rana has endured a frustrating 2026 campaign, with injuries repeatedly disrupting his progress.
The 24-year-old first missed the 2026 T20 World Cup after suffering a knee injury during India’s warm-up game against South Africa in February. The setback eventually required surgery, ruling him out of the tournament. He then missed the IPL 2026 season with Kolkata Knight Riders before making his international comeback during India’s T20I series against Ireland in June. However, his return was short-lived.
During the third T20I against England at Trent Bridge, Rana suffered a hamstring injury and was subsequently ruled out of the final two matches and the ODI series that followed. The injury occurred soon after Rana had completed a lengthy rehabilitation programme at the COE, raising concerns over his ability to cope with the demands of international cricket.
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Rana was later named in India’s squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, although his selection was subject to fitness clearance. His latest setback came during rehabilitation at the COE, where he suffered another injury.
According to the BCCI, Rana sustained a rectus femoris strain while bowling during a match simulation on September 7. The injury ruled him out of both the Afghanistan T20Is and the Asian Games, with Vidarbha pacer Yash Thakur named as his replacement.
The repeated setbacks have naturally led to questions about whether Rana has been returning to competitive cricket too soon. However, Sarandeep rejected suggestions that India are taking unnecessary risks with the young fast bowler. “Team management doesn’t rush anyone. When you are at the COE, unless the physios working with you give clearance for fitness, only then the selection follows,” Sarandeep Singh told News18 during an interaction facilitated by FanCode.
The Delhi coach also acknowledged that repeated injuries can create significant mental pressure for a young player trying to establish himself at international level. “Once you are back in the Indian team, it’s possible you may want to put in extra effort – so injuries can happen anytime. Harshit Rana himself would be depressed by the repeated injuries to him because these end building up a mental pressure,” he said.
Sarandeep believes Rana remains an important part of India’s plans because of his ability to contribute with both bat and ball. The all-rounder has impressed over the past year and continues to be regarded as one of India’s promising fast-bowling options.
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“He’s definitely an injury concern but hopefully he will be fit soon and make his comeback,” Sarandeep Singh added. With another rehabilitation period now ahead of him, Rana’s priority will be to regain full fitness and return to competitive cricket without further setbacks.
