India’s emphatic 30-run victory over South Africa in their only warm-up match ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 was overshadowed by an injury scare to pacer Harshit Rana, just days before the defending champions begin their title defence.
The 24-year-old fast bowler was forced to leave the field after appearing visibly uncomfortable while bowling during South Africa’s chase at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The warm-up fixture, intended to fine-tune combinations, instead raised fresh fitness concerns for the Indian camp.
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India piled up 240 runs in 20 overs and delivered a commanding all-round performance. However, with injuries already affecting the squad, most notably all-rounder Washington Sundar, Rana’s setback added to the team management’s growing list of worries.
Rana’s injury became apparent early in his spell. After bowling the opening over, he struggled to find rhythm and twice pulled out of his run-up while attempting to deliver his second over. Moments later, the Delhi pacer was seen clutching his knee before hobbling off the field.
He bowled just one over in the contest, conceding 16 runs. While the exact nature of the injury remains unclear, visuals of Rana walking off sparked immediate concern. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to issue an official update on the severity of the knee issue or his availability for India’s opening World Cup fixtures.
With nine T20Is to his name, Rana was expected to be in contention for a place in the playing XI, potentially competing with Kuldeep Yadav depending on conditions.
India’s fitness concerns are compounded by Washington Sundar’s ongoing injury. The all-rounder has not featured since suffering a rib injury during the ODI series against New Zealand and remains at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for workload assessment. While Tilak Varma has returned to full fitness and featured in the warm-up match, the situations surrounding Sundar and Rana leave India awaiting medical clarity on the eve of the tournament.
