Mumbai: India suffered a fresh injury scare ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after fast bowler Harshit Rana limped off the field during a warm-up match against South Africa cricket team on Wednesday.
The 24-year-old pacer bowled just one over, conceding 16 runs, before showing visible discomfort. Rana was seen clutching his knee at the end of the over and walked off the field limping. He had earlier pulled out of his delivery stride twice during the over, raising immediate concerns about his fitness. He did not return to the field thereafter, and an official update from the Board of Control for Cricket in India is still awaited.
With the T20 World Cup just days away, any potential injury to Rana could be a significant setback for India’s bowling plans.
India’s growing injury concerns
India are already managing multiple fitness issues in the lead-up to the tournament. All-rounder Washington Sundar is racing against time to recover from a rib injury sustained during the first ODI against New Zealand cricket team and is yet to return to competitive action.
Meanwhile, Tilak Varma, who recently recovered from a groin injury that ruled him out of the T20I series against New Zealand, featured in the warm-up fixtures. The left-hander scored 45 runs against South Africa and also bowled an over, suggesting improving fitness ahead of the tournament.
India edge past South Africa
Despite the injury scare, India registered a morale-boosting win in the warm-up clash. Batting first, the Men in Blue posted a commanding 240/6 in 20 overs before restricting South Africa to 210/7.
Ishan Kishan starred with a blistering 53 off just 20 balls, while Abhishek Sharma impressed with the ball, returning figures of 2/32 in three overs. India will look to carry this momentum into the World Cup, which begins on February 7.
