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Harshit Rana joins the team despite increasing weight, questions raised on selection after injury

Samira Vishwas | July 17, 2026 1:24 AM CST

Fast bowler Harshit Rana was injured just before the T20 World Cup. He suffered a knee injury during the warm-up match against South Africa. After this he had to undergo surgery, due to which he was ruled out of IPL 2026. Harshit made a comeback for Team India on the United Kingdom (UK) tour. However, he got injured again after bowling in 4 T20 matches.

The hamstring injury he suffered soon after returning from knee surgery has raised questions about his fitness program. According to the report of news agency PTI, his weight had increased during ‘rehabilitation’, due to which he probably suffered this injury. BCCI sources have told PTI that 24-year-old Harshit was overweight when he joined the team for the T20 leg of the England and Ireland tour.

Harshit’s weight gain is a matter of concern

Harshit played two T20 matches against Ireland and three against England but due to hamstring injury, he had to be out of the team after only five matches. BCCI had then said on his injury, ‘Harshit Rana suddenly felt pain in his right leg during the third T20 International match against England at Trent Bridge. Later the scan confirmed grade-1 hamstring injury.

Due to this injury, he could not play even in the three-match ODI series, although he was expected to play an important role in it. However, the biggest concern for Gautam Gambhir’s team management and selection committee is why Harshit’s weight increased despite knee surgery, ‘rehab’ and completing the ‘Return to Play’ protocol at the ‘Center of Excellence’ in Bengaluru.

Harshit did not pay attention to weight control

A senior BCCI source told PTI on the condition of confidentiality, ‘When he recently joined the team, his weight was found to be more than normal. For a fast bowling player, extra weight increases the pressure on the body and this significantly increases the risk of hamstring tear.

Harshit’s injury is an indication that despite successfully completing the ‘rehab’ program after knee surgery and obtaining a fitness certificate, he did not pay full attention to weight control. This is often a challenging aspect for players with long-term injuries.