Big news: Major blow to India as star player ruled out of T20 World Cup, replacement yet to be named

Team India have been dealt with a massive blow right ahead of the T20 World Cup as Harshit Rana has been ruled out of the tournament due to injury. The pacer looked to be in discomfort during the warm-up clash against South Africa on Wednesday and had to be taken off the field after bowling just over.

Sports Tak has learned that Harshit had injured his right knee during the match and the injury doesn't seem to be a light one. He has thus been ruled out from the tournament and it remains to be seen as to who will replace him from the squad.

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When asked about Harshit's condition, India captain Suryakumar Yadav said that his absence will indeed be a big setback for the team, but expressed confidence in the rest opf the bowlers present in the team. He also confirmed that the team is yet to decide the replacement and they will be looking to go for a bowler rather than an all-rounder.

"We have the XI for tomorrow. It is a blow because when we pick a squad we think about combinations. But we still have enough players and combinations. Will be a blow if he is out. Will see who are the fast bowlers who has been bowling well in the last one or two years. May be someone who can bat as well but that’s not a priority because we don’t expect a bowler to bat down at that number because what will the other batters do then," Suryakumar said in the pre-match press-conference.

Details on Harshit's injury

Meanwhile, Harshit had to walk off the field after bowling just one over in the warm-up match against South Africa. He had given away 16 runs in that over and had looked to be in discomfort while bowling. He had pulled out of his delivery stride on two different occasions and took his time in completing the over. He was seen clutching his knee hard and didn't return to the field affter walking off. It remains to be seen as to who will be announced as the 24-year-old's replacement for the T20 World Cup.

India's group stage schedule

India will begin their campaign with the clash against USA on February 7 that will be played at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai. They are then set to face Namibia on February 12 and their third match of the tournament is scheduled to be against Pakistan on February 15, but they have decided to boycott the game. The Men in Blue will conclude their group stage with the encounter against Netherlands on FFebruary 18.