Siraj replaces injured Rana in ICC T20 WC squad

Star pacer Mohammed Siraj has been named as a replacement for Harshit Rana, who was ruled out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after sustaining a knee injury during a warm-up match against South Africa in Navi Mumbai on February 4.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the development on Wednesday, stating that Rana was assessed by specialists and subsequently declared unfit to take part in the tournament. “Following consultations with a specialist and subsequent scans, the BCCI medical team deemed him unfit to participate in the tournament. The team management wishes him a speedy recovery,” the board said in a statement.

Advertisement

Earlier in the day, skipper Suryakumar Yadav had indicated that the early signs weren’t encouraging but didn’t rule him out. “He is not ruled out yet. He’s being assessed by the physios. But I think, today we’ll know what’s going to happen. But it doesn’t look good, it’s not that great,” he said.

Minutes after the BCCI confirmed the replacement, the ICC’s Event Technical Committee also approved Siraj’s inclusion in the Indian squad.

“Fast bowler Mohammad Siraj, who has played 45 Tests, 50 ODIs and 16 T20Is, was named as a replacement after Harshit Rana was ruled out with an injury to his right knee sustained during the warm-up game against South Africa on 4 February,” the ICC said.

“As per tournament regulations, any replacement player must receive clearance from the Event Technical Committee before being officially added to the squad.
Siraj’s inclusion adds experience to India’s pace attack as the defending champions prepare for the remainder of their T20 World Cup campaign.

India’s updated squad: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Ishan Kishan (WK), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (VC), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Washington Sundar, Mohd. Siraj