IND vs ENG: Harshit Rana ruled out again after returning from 4 month injury layoff

India’s injury woes deepened midway through the T20I series in England, with fast bowler Harshit Rana ruled out of the remaining two matches after suffering a hamstring injury, the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) confirmed on Thursday (July 9).

The setback comes barely two weeks after Rana returned to competitive cricket after a four-month layoff due to injury. After his comeback in the T20I series against Ireland, the young pacer picked up another injury after just five matches.

Rana was ruled out of the fourth and fifth T20Is against England, dealing another blow to an Indian side trailing 2-1 in the five-match series against Harry Brook’s side.

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The latest injury continues a frustrating run for the pacer, who has been struggling to build a rhythm since his return. In the five matches he featured in the last fortnight, Rana bowled a total of just 14 overs before being forced off with yet another fitness issue.

India’s injury list also grew as spinner Varun Chakravarthy was ruled out of the rest of the England series with a similar hamstring problem. The BCCI said both players are currently being monitored, with no timetable announced for their return.

Rana’s latest setback comes after an already tough year for the fast bowler.

The 24-year-old suffered a knee injury just before the FIFA T20 World Cup earlier this year, which saw him miss the marquee tournament. Rana was expected to partner Jasprit Bumrah as India’s fast bowler during the title defense before injury ended those plans.

What was initially thought to be a short-term absence ended up turning into a lengthy rehabilitation, with the injury proving more serious than first thought. Rana subsequently missed the entire IPL 2026 season, spending four months on the sidelines before finally returning against Ireland.

His return offered India another pace option at a crucial stage of the T20I calendar, but the latest hamstring injury has once again halted his progress.

With India struggling to keep the series alive after defeats in two of the opening three matches, Rana’s absence will leave the team with more selection pains heading into the fourth T20I against England.

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Issued by:

Kingshuk Kusari

Published on:

09 Jul 2026 21:59 IST