Mohammed Siraj replaces Harshit Rana in India's squad for T20 World Cup 2026: Reports

Mohammed Siraj was part of India’s squad in the previous edition of the T20 World Cup.

India’s preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 have been dealt a significant setback, with young pacer Harshit Rana reportedly ruled out of the tournament due to a knee injury.

According to multiple reports, the team management has moved swiftly, with Mohammed Siraj likely to be named as Rana’s replacement once the ICC gives its formal approval.

Harshit Rana’s injury comes at an unfortunate time, just days before India begin their World Cup campaign. While India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav stopped short of confirming Rana’s exit, his comments at the pre-match press conference hinted at the seriousness of the situation.

“He had issues after the warm-up game, and it’s not looking good,” Surya admitted, acknowledging that losing Rana would be a blow to the 15-member squad.

Although Harshit Rana was not a guaranteed starter in India’s playing XI, his presence offered valuable balance. The 24-year-old had been working extensively on his batting, with the team management keen on grooming him as a genuine all-round option lower down the order.

Siraj set to join India’s squad in Mumbai: Reports

In Rana’s absence, India appear to have prioritised reliability and big-tournament experience. Mohammed Siraj, a key member of India’s victorious T20 World Cup 2024 squad, emerges as the frontrunner.

Siraj’s likely inclusion signals a clear shift towards a safer, battle-tested option as India aim to navigate the pressure of an ICC event.

Known for his ability to swing the new ball and execute pinpoint yorkers at the death, Siraj brings a skill set well-suited to high-intensity T20 matches. His aggressive mindset, relentless work ethic, and calmness under pressure have earned him the trust of the Indian team management across formats.

Statistically, Siraj has been solid in T20 internationals, picking up 14 wickets in 16 matches at an economy rate of 7.79. While he may not offer the same all-round promise as Rana, his tournament pedigree and experience in crunch moments could prove invaluable as India chase another global title.

As India gear up for the T20 World Cup 2026, Siraj’s likely return reinforces a familiar strategy—when the stakes are high, experience often gets the nod.

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