Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has joined the national squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, replacing the injured Harshit Rana. Rana was ruled out of the tournament after sustaining a knee injury during a warm-up match against South Africa on February 4, just days before India's opening fixture. The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup approved the change on Friday, February 6, 2026.[newkerala+2]
Rana's Sudden Injury and Withdrawal
Harshit Rana, a 24-year-old right-arm pacer, suffered a knee injury during India's warm-up game against South Africa in Navi Mumbai.The incident happened on February 4, where Rana bowled only one over, conceding 16 runs, before leaving the field visibly clutching his knee.He was seen limping off and aborted his run-up twice within that single over, indicating significant discomfort.Following consultations with a specialist and subsequent scans, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) medical team deemed him unfit to participate in the prestigious tournament.[indiatoday+7]
Rana's absence is a blow to the Indian team, especially given his developing all-round capabilities. He had shown glimpses of being a handy lower-order batter, capable of contributing with the bat at numbers eight or nine, which provides crucial balance to the team.He has played nine T20 Internationals for India, taking nine wickets in those matches.His potential to add batting depth alongside his bowling skills made him a valuable asset for the squad.[newkerala+3]
Siraj Joins India's Pace Attack
Mohammed Siraj, a seasoned fast bowler, now steps into the 15-member squad.Siraj brings a wealth of experience across all formats of the game. He has played 45 Tests, 50 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 16 Twenty20 Internationals for India.In his 16 T20I appearances, he has taken 14 wickets at an economy rate of 7.79.[newkerala+8]
Interestingly, Siraj was initially not included in India's provisional squad for the T20 World Cup 2026, which was announced on December 20, 2025.His last T20 International match for India was in July 2024.At the time of his initial omission, Siraj had expressed his feelings, stating, "I was part of the last T20 World Cup, but not this one. Playing in a World Cup is a dream for any player, and representing your country makes it even more meaningful."His inclusion now provides the team with an experienced option in the fast bowling department.[republicworld+9]
Team India's Preparations for the World Cup
The replacement was approved by the Event Technical Committee, a mandatory step for any squad changes made after the final submission deadline.India's T20 World Cup campaign begins on Saturday, February 8, 2026, with their opening match against the USA at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.This last-minute change highlights the unpredictable nature of high-stakes tournaments.[newkerala+6]
India's T20 captain, Suryakumar Yadav, had earlier commented on Rana's condition, noting that the pacer was "not looking good" during the warm-up fixture.Despite attempts to downplay the setback, the medical assessment ultimately led to Rana's withdrawal.Siraj's inclusion ensures that India maintains a strong pace bowling contingent, alongside other key bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh.Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube are also expected to contribute with the ball when needed.[indianexpress+6]
Siraj's experience in major tournaments is a significant advantage. He was a member of the Indian side that won the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure on the global stage.This experience could be crucial for India as they aim for another strong performance in the tournament. The team management opted for Siraj's proven track record over other contenders.[newkerala+2]
T20 World Cup 2026 Overview
The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 is co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.The tournament runs from February 7 to March 8, 2026.A total of twenty teams are competing in 55 matches across eight venues, with five in India and three in Sri Lanka.Provisional squads were required to be submitted by January 8, 2026, with changes allowed until January 31, 2026, without requiring approval from the Event Technical Committee.Changes made after this date, like Rana's replacement, need the committee's formal approval.[olympics+9]
India enters the tournament as defending champions, having won the 2024 T20 World Cup.They were the first team to win a T20 World Cup undefeated in 2024, defeating South Africa in the final.This makes their current campaign highly anticipated. India is placed in Group A for the 2026 edition, alongside the USA, Pakistan, the Netherlands, and Namibia.The team will be looking to leverage its home advantage as co-hosts.[olympics+4]
The unexpected injury to Harshit Rana has led to a strategic shift for India right at the start of their World Cup journey. Mohammed Siraj's return brings a blend of experience and proven performance to the team's pace attack, vital for navigating the challenges of a major global tournament.
