India fast bowler Harshit Rana reportedly gained significant weight during his recovery and rehabilitation after knee surgery, which later contributed to a hamstring injury during the T20I series against England, according to a PTI report.

Rana had spent a long period away from competitive cricket while recovering from his knee injury. The 24-year-old pacer also missed the entire Indian Premier League (IPL) season as part of his rehabilitation process. He injured himself during India's training session a day before the T20 World Cup 2026 opener, which forced him to miss the entire tournament as Mohammed Siraj was added as his replacement.

As per the report, Rana returned to the team for the UK T20I series carrying extra weight and was later ruled out after suffering a hamstring injury. He played only five matches during the tour, two against Ireland and three against England, before being sidelined due to an injury.

The injury happened during the third T20I against England at Trent Bridge. The BCCI had confirmed that Rana experienced discomfort in his right hamstring, and scans later showed a Grade 1 hamstring injury.

The development has raised concerns within Gautam Gambhir’s team management and the national selection committee, especially because Rana is seen as an important part of India’s long-term plans ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

The source also highlighted the importance of maintaining fitness levels for a fast bowler.

Rana’s injury has once again highlighted the challenges players face while returning from long injury breaks. Although he received fitness clearance after completing his rehabilitation and return-to-play programme at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, maintaining weight and overall fitness remains crucial, especially for a fast bowler.

India fast bowler Harshit Rana reportedly gained significant weight during his recovery and rehabilitation after knee surgery, which later contributed to a hamstring injury during the T20I series against England, according to a PTI report.
Rana had spent a long period away from competitive cricket while recovering from his knee injury. The 24-year-old pacer also missed the entire Indian Premier League season as part of his rehabilitation process.
As per the report, Rana returned to the team for the UK T20I series carrying extra weight and was later ruled out after suffering a hamstring injury. He played only five matches during the tour, two against Ireland and three against England, before being sidelined due to an injury.
The injury occurred during the third T20I against England at Trent Bridge. The BCCI had confirmed that Rana experienced discomfort in his right hamstring, and scans later showed a Grade 1 hamstring injury.
“Rana reported a sudden onset of discomfort in his right hamstring during the third T20I against England at Trent Bridge. Subsequent scans revealed a Grade 1 hamstring injury," BCCI had said.
The development has raised concerns within Gautam Gambhir’s team management and the national selection committee, especially because Rana is seen as an important part of India’s long-term plans ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
“Harshit is a very important member of this team going into the 2027 World Cup. He is being looked at as a potential number eight batter along with his 140 click average speed. But he has to be mindful about his fitness routine," a BCCI source said while speaking to PTI.
The source also highlighted the importance of maintaining fitness levels for a fast bowler.
“Recently, when he joined the team, he was found to be overweight.For someone who bowls fast, if that player is found to be overweight, then obviously the load on the body can lead to a hamstring tear," the source added.
Rana’s injury has once again highlighted the challenges players face while returning from long injury breaks. Although he received fitness clearance after completing his rehabilitation and return-to-play programme at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, maintaining weight and overall fitness remains crucial, especially for a fast bowler.