The first match of the Indian cricket team in the T-20 World Cup 2026 will be against the USA cricket team on Saturday (7 February). Earlier the team had suffered a big setback. Leading fast bowler Harshit Rana has been ruled out of the tournament due to joint pain. He was injured in the practice match against South Africa. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has given this information. Mohammad Siraj has got a chance in his place in the team.

Similar Indian team for T-20 World Cup

Indian team for T-20 World Cup: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Axar Patel (vice-captain), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Verma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dubey, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakraborty, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, and Washington Sundar. Tilak was also injured before the tournament. However, he has returned to the team. Sundar is also injured right now. However, no news has come out regarding him yet.

Siraj becomes part of T20 international team for the first time after July 2024

Siraj played his last match against the Sri Lankan cricket team in July 2024. This player was also a part of the Indian team that won the T-20 World Cup 2024 title. Siraj has played 16 T-20 international matches for India. Has taken 14 wickets in 16 innings at an average of 32.28. He has taken 4 wicket haul once and his best bowling performance has been 4/17.

How did Harshit get hurt?

Harshit suffered this injury during the practice match against South Africa on 4 February. He had to end his bowling spell midway after falling behind twice from the runup. He left the field holding his knee. He bowled one over in which 16 runs were spent. After consultation with Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, he was advised to undergo surgery. In such a situation, he had to be out of the World Cup.

How much loss does the Indian team suffer due to Harshit’s exclusion?

The Indian team has suffered a double loss due to Harshit being out of the T20 World Cup due to injury. He not only plays an important role in fast bowling, but can also bat usefully in the lower order. His presence gives strength to the team with both ball and bat. Now with the arrival of Siraj in his place, the bowling experience will increase, but it will not be easy for the team to compensate for Harshit’s all-rounder ability.