Harshit Rana ruled out as Yash Thakur named replacement for Afg T20Is, Asian Games

By Army jaat

🩰 *Namaste* cricket family! Allow me to share some news that moves like an unexpected twist in a dance drama... **Harshit Rana Sidelined—Yash Thakur Steps In for Afghanistan T20Is & Asian Games** Our beloved pace battery takes an unexpected dip. Fast bowler **Harshit Rana** has been ruled out of both the Afghanistan T20I series and the 2026 Asian Games after suffering another injury setback. 💔 Despite progressing well during his rehab at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, Rana strained his **rectus femoris** while bowling during a match simulation on Sept 7. The Selection Committee quickly confirmed his exclusion. This marks yet another hurdle in Rana's injury-plagued journey. He'd already battled a hamstring injury vs England at Trent Bridge, a knee issue during the WC warmup vs South Africa (missing the T20 World Cup), and even underwent surgery—sitting out the 2026 IPL with KKR. **Yash Thakur Gets His Chance** The Vidarbha pacer, **Yash Thakur**, has been drafted as replacement for both squads. The 27-year-old impressed on his T20I debut against Zimbabwe in July—**2 matches, 4 wickets**—and boasts a stellar domestic record: **81 wickets in 50 Syed Mushtaq Ali matches** at an economy of just 7.04. 🎯 **Key Dates to Remember:** - T20Is: Sept 13, 15 & 17 (all in Delhi) - Asian Games: Team departs Delhi Sept 18 Iyer continues as captain with Tilak Varma as vice-captain. Thakur slots right into both squads alongside Bumrah, Arshdeep, and the rest! *May his fitness stay with him this time!* 🙏 #IndiaVsAfghanistan Source: Times of India