The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has named fast bowler Yash Thakur as Harshit Rana’s replacement in India’s squads for the upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan and the 2026 Asian Games.

Rana has been ruled out after suffering a rectus femoris strain while bowling during a match simulation on September 7. The setback is the latest in a difficult year for the 24-year-old pacer, who has endured a series of injuries since the start of the season.

Another injury blow for Harshit Rana

Rana had initially suffered a knee injury ahead of the T20 World Cup, forcing him to miss the tournament. He subsequently underwent surgery before the IPL and was ruled out of the T20 extravaganza as well.

The fast bowler eventually returned to competitive cricket during India’s tour of England following his lengthy injury lay-off. However, his comeback was cut short once again after he sustained another injury during the T20I series.

His latest setback means Rana will now miss another important assignment as India prepare for their home series against Afghanistan and their Asian Games campaign.

Yash Thakur gets another opportunity

Rana’s absence has opened the door for Vidarbha pacer Yash Thakur. The 27-year-old made his T20I debut during India’s tour of Zimbabwe in July, featuring in two matches and claiming four wickets.

Thakur brings considerable experience in the shortest format. He has played 50 matches in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, taking 81 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 7.04.

His IPL record is equally encouraging. In 22 appearances in the competition, the fast bowler has claimed 27 wickets, giving India another experienced option in the pace department.

Major boost as Bumrah passes fitness test

India have also received a significant boost with Jasprit Bumrah declared fit for the Afghanistan T20I series after successfully clearing his fitness assessment.

The premier fast bowler had been recovering from a knee injury, and his return will provide much-needed strength to an Indian pace attack that has faced its share of challenges.

Bumrah’s availability is particularly important with India preparing for two major assignments in quick succession.

Afghanistan Series dates announced

The three-match T20I series against Afghanistan will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on September 13, 15 and 17. The 2026 Asian Games will begin on September 28, with India entering the competition as defending champions.

India’s updated squad for Afghanistan T20Is

Shreyas Iyer (C), Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Sanju Samson (WK), Ishan Kishan (WK), Tilak Varma (VC), Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Yash Thakur.

India’s Asian Games 2026 squad

Shreyas Iyer (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Ishan Kishan (WK), Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma (VC), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Yash Thakur.