IND vs AFG: Harshit Rana likely to miss Afghanistan T20Is, Asian Games 2026 participation in doubt
(Courtesy : BCCI)
Harshit Rana missed several key tournaments and series due to injuries.
India are set for a busy period as the team prepares for the upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan. The two teams are scheduled to play three matches in Delhi on September 13, 15 and 17.
The series will be an important part of India‘s preparations ahead of the Asian Games, with the team also scheduled to play a T20I against Japan later this month.
After the Afghanistan series, India will travel to Japan for a one-off T20I against Japan on September 22. The Indian team will then begin their Asian Games campaign on September 28.
India have already received some good news regarding injuries. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar have reportedly been fit for the Afghanistan series, while Jasprit Bumrah is also progressing towards his comeback.
However, a new concern has arisen regarding pacer Harshit Rana, as his comeback to international cricket has suffered another setback.
Harshit Rana likely to miss Afghanistan T20Is
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As per the Times of India’s latest report, Harshit Rana is unlikely to be fit for India’s three-match T20I series against Afghanistan. The pacer injured himself during a match simulation session on September 08, 2026 (Tuesday) as part of his Return to Play (RTP) process.
Rana, who had been dealing with a hamstring injury, was included in India’s squad for Afghanistan T20Is, subject to fitness. He was also named in the squad for the Asian Games.
Participation in the Asian Games is also doubtful
This latest setback has also cast doubt over Rana’s participation in the Asian Games 2026. India are scheduled to leave for the Asian Games on September 18.
Harshit’s recent injury problems have kept him away from important cricket assignments. The pacer suffered a hamstring injury during India’s third T20I against England at Trent Bridge earlier this year.
He later suffered a knee injury during India’s warm-up match against South Africa ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. As a result, Rana was ruled out of the tournament. The injury also forced him to miss the IPL 2026.
After completing his rehabilitation, Harshit was added to India’s squad for the third ODI against Afghanistan in Chennai on June 20. He was later included in the T20I squad for the Afghanistan series, but only subject to fitness.
With India leaving for the Asian Games on September 18, Rana has very little time to prove his fitness if he wants to travel with the team.
Will Harshit Rana play in the Asian Games 2026?
Harshit’s participation in the Asian Games is also in doubt. India are scheduled to leave for the Asian Games on September 18.
When will India face Afghanistan in T20Is?
India will play a three-match T20I series against Afghanistan in Delhi on September 13, 15, and 17.
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