India’s young pace-bowling all-rounder Harshit Rana underwent successful knee surgery. Rana posted a photo on his social media. He can be seen smiling and giving thumbs up after going under the knife.
"Surgery done right, now focused on recovery and getting back to what I love,” Rana wrote in the captain.
Rana’s replacement gets into action straightaway
An in-form Rana was replaced by Mohammed Siraj in India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad. Siraj played India’s T20 World Cup 2026 opener against USA as Jasprit Bumrah was unwell. Siraj made an impact straightaway. He struck twice with the new ball, dismissing openers Andries Gous and Saiteja Mukkamalla. Later, he dismissed Shubham Ranjane as well. In his quota of four overs, he conceded 29 runs and helped the hosts win by 29 runs.
When will Harshit Rana return to action?
It will be interesting to see when Rana returns to action. In due course, he will be assessed and start his rehabilitation at Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will be hoping that he gets the Return to Play (RTP) green light in time for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. IPL 2026 is scheduled to start on March 26. Rana faces a race against time to regain full fitness before the T20 extravaganza.
Rana’s role for ODIs
Rana is crucial to India's plans for the ODI World Cup 2027 as well. After the IPL 2026, India are scheduled to fly to England for a limited-overs series featuring five T20Is and three ODIs.
The 24-year-old had scored his maiden ODI half-century against New Zealand last month. The team management has made it clear that they want him to make the no.8 spot his own to deepen the batting lineup.