T20 World Cup: Team India hit by setbacks, Harshit Rana ruled out and Bumrah may miss opening match
Mumbai (The Uttam Hindu): The T20 World Cup 2026 is set to begin today, Saturday, 7 February, with Team India starting its campaign against the United States at 7 PM at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. However, just hours before the opening match, the Indian camp has been shaken by a series of setbacks.
Young fast bowler Harshit Rana has been ruled out of the entire tournament due to a knee injury. Adding to the concern, star pacer and ‘Yorker King’ Jasprit Bumrah is also unlikely to feature in the first match. According to reports, Bumrah has fallen ill suddenly, and the team management is considering giving him rest for the opener.
Sudden viral fever puts Bumrah in doubt
As per a report by The Indian Express, Jasprit Bumrah is suffering from a high viral fever. This development means that captain Suryakumar Yadav may have to lead the team in the opening match without his most potent bowling weapon. It is reported that Bumrah reached the Wankhede Stadium for the practice session on Friday, 6 February, but did not take part in any training activity.
Keeping in mind the long World Cup schedule and crucial matches ahead, the team management does not want to take any risk with Bumrah’s fitness. As a result, there is a strong possibility that he will be rested against the United States.
Harshit Rana out, responsibility on Siraj and Arshdeep
India’s troubles began earlier when Harshit Rana was ruled out just a day before the tournament due to a knee injury. Mohammed Siraj has been included in the squad as his replacement at short notice. If Bumrah also misses the opening game, the playing XI combination will change significantly.
In such a scenario, India will be left with only two specialist fast bowlers — Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj. The responsibility of taking the new ball against the United States will rest on their shoulders, while vice-captain Hardik Pandya will have to play the role of the third seamer.