India braces for T20 World Cup as Rana limps off in warm-up
India braces for T20 World Cup as Rana limps off in warm-up
Pacer Harshit Rana's knee issue adds to India’s injury worries before the T20 World Cup, while Tilak Varma shines and Kishan blasts 53 as India post a 30-run win in the warm-up.
In Navi Mumbai, India’s sole warm-up against South Africa at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy turned tense when pacer Harshit Rana limped off the field. The 24-year-old Delhi quick bowled just one over, conceding 16 runs, before pulling up in evident discomfort and retreating from the action. An official update from the BCCI was still awaited, leaving fans and team management anxious about the severity of the setback.
The build-up to the tournament has already been clouded by fitness concerns around Washington Sundar, who sustained an injury during the ODI series against New Zealand. Rana’s exit compounds the team’s worries just days before the T20 World Cup opens, and the management will be hoping for clearer news on Sundar ahead of the bigger matches.
Despite the hiccups, Tilak Varma made a commanding return from injury with 45 off 19 balls, including three sixes and three fours, and also contributed with the ball, delivering an economical over. Ishan Kishan continued his hot streak, blasting 53 off 20 with seven sixes, as India posted a 30-run victory in their only warm-up fixture. The performance offered a silver lining amid the injury scare and reinforced the team’s batting depth just before the global event.
With the tournament kicking off on February 7, India will be eager for positive news on both Rana and Sundar. The camp will monitor the pace attack’s readiness as they fine-tune plans for a busy slate ahead, balancing aggression with caution as they aim to defend their title on the world stage.
