India fast bowler Harshit Rana has been ruled out of the Afghanistan T20I series and the 2026 Asian Games after suffering a strain while bowling during a match simulation on September 7. Yash Thakur has been added to both India squads as Rana’s replacement.
Rana had initially been selected subject to fitness clearance. However, the latest injury has ruled him out of the two upcoming assignments, according to the International Cricket Council.
Injury follows hamstring recovery
The strain occurred during a match simulation as Rana was bowling. It comes after the fast bowler had recovered from a hamstring problem sustained during India’s tour of England.The sequence of injuries means Rana will not be available for India’s T20I engagements against Afghanistan or for the team’s campaign at the 2026 Asian Games. The available information does not specify a recovery timeline for the new strain.
Yash Thakur added to both squads
Yash Thakur has been drafted into both India squads in place of Rana. The replacement gives Thakur another opportunity at international level after he recently made his T20I debut during India’s tour of Zimbabwe.Thakur took four wickets across two matches on that tour. His inclusion now covers both the Afghanistan T20I series and the 2026 Asian Games, following Rana’s withdrawal on fitness grounds.
Rana’s absence changes India’s fast-bowling options for the two competitions, while Thakur moves into the squads after his limited but productive start in T20I cricket. The selection update does not indicate whether any further changes will be made to the teams.
For Rana, the immediate focus will be on recovering from the strain that emerged during the September 7 simulation. India will proceed with Thakur in the two squads unless another official update is issued.
