India made a late change to their squads for the upcoming Afghanistan T20I series and 2026 Asian Games with Vidarbha pacer Yash Thakur replacing Harshit Rana after the Delhi fast bowler was ruled out due to injury.
The development comes just days before India will begin their three-match T20I series against Afghanistan in New Delhi. The series starts on September 13 with the rest of the matches on September 15 and 17.
Harshit Rana Ruled Out Due to Injury
Rana’s return to international cricket has been put under further strain after he failed to recover fully from a hamstring injury. He had been included in both squads subject to fitness clearance.
The pacer had suffered a hamstring injury during India’s tour of England and had been working through the return-to-play process. Reports said he had another problem at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in which he was simulating games and may not be able to play for the next assignments.
Rana’s latest setback means he will miss both the Afghanistan T20Is and India’s campaign at the Asian Games.
Yash Thakur Gets Another India Opportunity
Yash Thakur has been called up as Rana's replacement in both squads. The Vidarbha fast bowler now gets an opportunity to strengthen India's pace attack in two important international competitions.
Thakur has already made an impression at T20I level. He played for India against Zimbabwe and took four wickets in two matches at that time, giving the selectors another reason to trust him with the national side.
His experience of domestic T20 cricket will be useful as India gears up for a busy international schedule.
India’s Afghanistan Series Starts September 13
India's three-match T20I series against Afghanistan will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. Shreyas Iyer will lead the Indian side, with Tilak Varma as vice-captain.
The series is significant for India after the last few T20I performances against Ireland and England were not so good. So selectors have decided to go for a strong team with a good number of senior players.
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Yash Thakur replaces Harshit Rana in India’s T20Is squads for Afghanistan T20Is & Asian Games
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Asian Games Campaign Also Ahead
Following the Afghanistan series, India will turn its focus on the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
India's men's cricket team will begin its Asian Games campaign in September, providing another chance for players from India to gain experience abroad in the tournament.
The inclusion of Yash Thakur in place of Rana allows India to have another pace-bowling option as they prepare for the multi-sport event.
Bumrah and Reddy Cleared for Return
The latest squad update will also come with a lot of speculation surrounding the fitness of other Indian players. Jasprit Bumrah and Nitish Kumar Reddy had already been included as part of the list subject to fitness, and Washington Sundar has already been cleared to play.
With Rana now ruled out, Thakur provides the Indian team with another fast-bowling option.
The call-up is an important step in Thakur’s career to be a part of India’s T20 team. His performances in the Afghanistan series and Asian Games could determine his future international prospects.
