Harshit Rana and Washington Sundar ruled out of T20 World Cup 2026 as probable replacements named

India’s pacer, Harshit Rana, has been ruled out of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, as the selection committee is likely to name a replacement on the evening of February 06, as the reports have claimed. India is scheduled to open their campaign against the United States of America (USA) on February 07 at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

The team management was informed of the injury to the pacer on February 05 evening. Even though India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav, revealed that the ace all-rounder wasn’t ruled out yet of the event, it’s nearly confirmed that the fast bowler won’t be fit to participate in the World Cup.

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“It’s a big blow because of the combination we make, keeping in mind 15 players. If he misses out, we will definitely miss him. We have enough options. We shall look at the replacements of fast bowlers who are there. We shall pick the best one. I know there is the case of someone batting at no 9 like Harshit, but having said that, the first 8 batsmen will do what then?! They have to bat.” Suryakumar Yadav expressed on the eve of their opening clash.

Mohammad Siraj and Nitish Reddy likely to be named replacements

Harshit was forced to leave the field during India’s warm-up contest against South Africa as he didn’t look to be in full rhythm for the contest. His discomfort was confirmed when he was unable to complete his run-up, pulling out of his delivery stride on a couple of occasions within that six-ball over.

Siraj, who has picked up 14 wickets in 16 T20Is for the national side, having played his last T20I two years ago against Sri Lanka in July, is expected to make the cut. He was in good touch with the white-ball during the SMAT 2025/26 for Hyderabad.

That’s the same case with Washington Sundar, who is running out of time to be fully fit for the World Cup 2026. In the event of his potential news of being ruled out, India may use Nitish Reddy as the replacement. Reddy has featured in only four T20Is and smashed 90 runs at a strike rate of 180.