India’s T20 World Cup campaign was dealt an unexpected blow even before the first ball was bowled, as young fast bowler Harshit Rana was ruled out after suffering a knee injury in the final warm-up game. The setback came just a day before the defending champions were scheduled to begin their tournament, bringing Rana’s World Cup dream to a heartbreaking halt.
The injury, sustained during a preparatory match against South Africa, forced him off the field after bowling only one over, where he conceded 16 runs before visibly struggling with his knee. Harshit Rana later confirmed the seriousness of the issue by revealing that he had undergone surgery.
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In a heartfelt Instagram update, the 22-year-old shared a picture from his hospital bed, flashing a thumbs-up and writing that his focus was now firmly on recovery and returning to the game he loves. For a young pacer who had worked tirelessly to break into the national setup, the timing could not have been more cruel.
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His absence prompted India to make a last-minute call-up to experienced seamer Mohammed Siraj, who was reportedly preparing for a short break after being left out of the initial T20 World Cup squad. Rana had earned his spot through consistent performances and was seen as a reliable backup to Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, adding depth to India’s pace attack ahead of the global event.
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Thrown straight into action, Mohammed Siraj responded with a match-winning spell in India’s opening game. Defending a modest total, he picked up three crucial wickets, underlining his value even after a prolonged absence from the T20I side. Reflecting on the dramatic turn of events, Siraj admitted that his fortunes changed overnight, as he went from spending time with family to delivering under pressure on the world stage.
With momentum on their side, India now shift focus to their upcoming fixtures, while Rana begins a long road to recovery, hoping to return stronger and reclaim his place in the national conversation.
