Thakur Drafted In as Rana’s Hamstring Woes Deepen

Vidarbha pacer Yash Thakur has been handed a second international call-up, added to India’s squads for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan and the forthcoming Asian Games after Harshit Rana was ruled out with a fresh injury.

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Yash Thakur replaces Harshit Rana in India’s T20Is squads for Afghanistan T20Is & Asian Games

More Details ▶️ https://t.co/qh86ExSbgB #TeamIndia | #AFGvIND | #AsianGames

— BCCI (@BCCI) September 10, 2026

The BCCI confirmed the setback as a rectus femoris strain, sustained while bowling during a match simulation on September 7. Harshit Rana had been rehabilitating from a hamstring injury at the Centre of Excellence before this latest blow, which closes the door on his participation in both assignments.

Thakur’s promotion comes on the back of a breakout domestic season and a brief but promising introduction to international cricket. The 27-year-old earned his first India call-up after claiming 18 wickets in seven games during last year’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He made his T20I debut against Zimbabwe in July, picking up four wickets in two matches at an economy rate of 9.37.

His inclusion brings a measure of continuity to a pace attack that has been reshaped by injury. Thakur now joins Arshdeep Singh in the seam department, with the experienced Jasprit Bumrah also returning to the fold.

Fitness Clearances Bolster Squad

Bumrah‘s inclusion is significant, having been among three players awaiting fitness clearance for the Afghanistan series. Nitish Reddy and Washington Sundar have also been named in the updated squad, easing concerns over their availability.

The returns provide captain Shreyas Iyer with a fuller complement of resources as India prepares for a congested white-ball schedule. Tilak Varma serves as vice-captain, while the squad blends established internationals with emerging talent, including 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

India’s campaign extends beyond the Afghanistan series. A historic one-off T20I against Japan is scheduled prior to the Asian Games, adding a distinctive fixture to the calendar.

Updated India Squad-

Shreyas Iyer (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma (vice-captain), Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Yash Thakur.

                                               

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