New Delhi, Sept. 12: India have received a boost ahead of their upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan, with Jasprit Bumrah declared fit for the assignment.
However, fast bowler Harshit Rana has been ruled out of the series and the 2026 Asian Games after suffering a fresh injury setback.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the squad changes on September 10. Vidarbha pacer Yash Thakur has been named as Rana's replacement in both squads.
Harshit Rana Suffers Fresh Injury
Rana sustained a rectus femoris strain while bowling during a match simulation at the Centre of Excellence on September 7, according to the BCCI. The injury has ruled him out of India's upcoming assignments.
The fast bowler had been included in the squads for the Afghanistan series and the Asian Games, subject to fitness clearance. His latest setback has now forced the selectors to make a change to India's plans.
Yash Thakur Named as Replacement
Yash Thakur has been brought into the squad in place of Rana. The Vidarbha pacer recently made his T20I debut during India's tour of Zimbabwe, where he claimed four wickets in two matches.
Thakur's inclusion gives India another pace option ahead of the Afghanistan series. The selectors will now assess how he fits into the team's bowling combination as India prepares for the upcoming fixtures.
Bumrah's Fitness Boosts India
Bumrah's fitness clearance is a significant positive update for the Indian team. The experienced fast bowler had initially been included in the squad subject to fitness and is now available for the Afghanistan T20Is and the Asian Games.
His availability strengthens India's bowling resources ahead of a busy international schedule. Bumrah's experience in pressure situations makes him an important part of the team's T20 plans.
All-rounders Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy have also received fitness clearance, according to the BCCI's squad update.
Afghanistan Series Begins on September 13
India will begin their three-match T20I series against Afghanistan in Delhi on September 13. The second match is scheduled for September 15, followed by the third on September 17.
Shreyas Iyer will lead the Indian side, with Tilak Varma named vice-captain. The squad includes Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh.
The series will give India an opportunity to assess its T20 combinations ahead of the Asian Games. With Bumrah available and Thakur replacing Rana, the team's bowling combination will be one of the key areas to watch.
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