Just a day before the T20 World Cup begins, both India and Sri Lanka have suffered significant blows as two key players are ruled out due to injuries. India’s all-rounder Harshit Rana and Sri Lanka’s pacer Ishan Malinga will miss the tournament, forcing their respective teams to make last-minute adjustments ahead of crucial matches.
Harshit Rana sustained a knee injury during a preparatory match against South Africa in Mumbai. He bowled only a single over before being forced to leave the field, later seen with his knee heavily bandaged. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav remarked, “The physios are examining him, but it doesn’t look promising. The situation is not very encouraging.” The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) subsequently confirmed Rana’s withdrawal from the World Cup squad.
Rana’s replacement is experienced pacer Mohammed Siraj, who has taken 14 wickets in 16 international T20 matches at an economy rate of 7.79. While his international exposure is relatively limited, Siraj boasts an impressive domestic record, having played 160 IPL T20 matches and claiming 183 wickets at an economy rate of 8.25. Rana’s absence will also impact India’s lower-order batting, where he had made recent contributions, including a fifty in the series against New Zealand. India will begin their World Cup campaign today against the United States.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s Ishan Malinga suffered a shoulder injury during the second T20 home match against England. He has been replaced by left-arm pacer Pramod Madushan, who earned a place in the national squad after notable performances in the 2025 IPL. Madushan has 12 wickets in eight international T20 matches, maintaining an economy rate of 8.63.
Sri Lanka will commence their World Cup journey on 8 February against Ireland in Colombo. They are drawn in Group B alongside Oman, Australia, and Zimbabwe. Both teams will rely on the experience of Siraj and Madushan to maintain balance in the squad despite these last-minute setbacks.
Key Replacement Details
| Team | Injured Player | Replacement Player | International T20 Stats | IPL/ Domestic Stats |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | Harshit Rana | Mohammed Siraj | 16 matches, 14 wickets, Econ 7.79 | 160 IPL matches, 183 wickets, Econ 8.25 |
| Sri Lanka | Ishan Malinga | Pramod Madushan | 8 matches, 12 wickets, Econ 8.63 | Notable IPL 2025 performance |
These squad changes are a test of depth and adaptability for both teams as the T20 World Cup approaches, with every match likely to be closely contested.