Harshit Rana and Yash Thakur (Agency Image)
NEW DELHI: India fast bowler Harshit Rana has been ruled out of the upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan and the 2026 Asian Games after suffering another injury setback, with Vidarbha pacer Yash Thakur named as his replacement in both squads. He subsequently injured his knee during India’s warm-up match against South Africa ahead of the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup and was ruled out of the tournament. Rana then underwent surgery and missed the 2026 Indian Premier League, where he was part of the Kolkata Knight Riders squad. After completing his rehabilitation, Rana was brought back into India’s plans and was added to the squad for the third ODI against Afghanistan in Chennai on June 20. India will face Afghanistan in a three-match T20I series on September 13, 15 and 17. India will then turn their attention to the 2026 Asian Games. The team is scheduled to depart from Delhi on September 18, with Iyer continuing as captain and Tilak as vice-captain.
As TimesofIndia.com had earlier reported, the fast bowler sustained a hamstring injury during the third T20I against England at Trent Bridge earlier this year. The development comes after a prolonged injury layoff for Rana. The latest injury, however, has forced him out of India’s next two assignments. Afghanistan are the official hosts of the bilateral series Although all three matches will be played in Delhi.