Indian fast bowler Harshit Rana has suffered another setback in his recovery after developing a viral illness during his rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. The right-arm pacer is currently dealing with fever, a cold and a sore throat, forcing the medical team to pause his return-to-play programme.
Rana was recovering from a low-grade strain in his left quadriceps, which he sustained during a match simulation on September 7. The injury ruled him out of the Asian Games 2026, while he was also left out of India’s upcoming five-match T20I series against the West Indies, which begins on October 6 in Lucknow.
Harshit Rana’s Bowling Return Delayed By Viral Illness
According to a Dainik Jagran report, Harshit Rana complained of discomfort in his left quadriceps while bowling during a match simulation at the BCCI CoE on September 7. An MRI scan of both thighs subsequently revealed a low-grade strain in the rectus femoris.
Following the diagnosis, the medical team advised Rana to complete three weeks of controlled loading before beginning a gradual return to play. The rehabilitation programme was designed to increase his workload carefully and avoid placing unnecessary stress on the affected area.
The original plan was for Rana to begin bowling again this week. The medical team planned to monitor his response and gradually increase his bowling workload based on his tolerance.
However, the right-arm pacer has now developed a fever, cold and sore throat. He has been advised to fully recover from the viral illness before resuming rehabilitation and other physical activities. Rana will therefore have to wait longer before he can restart his bowling progression.
Harshit Rana Misses Asian Games and West Indies T20I Series
Harshit Rana’s quadriceps injury had forced him out of the Asian Games 2026. He was initially working on his recovery at the BCCI CoE in Bengaluru before suffering the rectus femoris strain during the September 7 match simulation.
The BCCI subsequently confirmed that the injury ruled him out of the Asian Games. Yash Thakur replaced Rana in India’s squad for the tournament and the one-off T20I against Japan.
Rana will also miss India’s upcoming five-match T20I series against the West Indies. Prince Yadav and Mayank Yadav have been included in the squad for the Caribbean assignment. Rana will now need to complete his recovery from the viral infection before restarting the rehabilitation process.
Harshit Rana’s Injury-Riddled 2026 Continues
Harshit Rana has struggled to maintain a consistent run of fitness throughout 2026. The pacer suffered a knee injury during India’s warm-up match against South Africa ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
The injury forced Rana to undergo surgery and ruled him out of the tournament. He also missed the 2026 Indian Premier League while recovering from the knee problem.
Rana eventually returned to the Indian setup during the white-ball tour of Ireland. He played both T20Is in Belfast and produced figures of 3/24 and 1/17, giving him a positive start to his comeback.
He was then selected for the T20I series in England and played the first three matches. Harshit Rana did not bowl in the opening game in Chester-le-Street, but returned with figures of 1/30 from three overs in Manchester and 2/40 from four overs in Nottingham.
His comeback was again interrupted when he suffered a hamstring injury during the third T20I in Nottingham. That injury ruled him out of the final two matches of the England series.
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