New Delhi, Sept 11:

India have made a change to their T20I squad for the upcoming Afghanistan series and the 2026 Asian Games, with fast bowler Harshit Rana ruled out after suffering a fresh hamstring injury.

Vidarbha pacer Yash Thakur has been named as Rana’s replacement for both assignments. Rana suffered the injury during fitness clearance tests at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence and will miss the upcoming matches.

Thakur has already represented India in T20I cricket. He made his international debut during the tour of Zimbabwe and impressed in his two matches, taking four wickets. His inclusion gives the selectors another pace option as India prepare for the Afghanistan series and the Asian Games.

The change comes after Rana had worked his way back into contention following an earlier hamstring injury. His latest setback means he will miss another important phase of India’s T20 campaign.

India also received a boost with Jasprit Bumrah, Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy receiving fitness clearance. Their availability strengthens the squad ahead of a busy international and multi-sport schedule.

India will first face Afghanistan in a three-match T20I series, beginning in Delhi. The team will then turn its attention to the Asian Games in Japan, where India are the defending champions.

India are scheduled to begin their Asian Games campaign with a quarterfinal on September 28. The team will be looking to retain the gold medal while also using the tournament to assess its depth and emerging T20 talent.

For Yash Thakur, the opportunity represents another chance to establish himself at international level. His previous T20I outing in Zimbabwe, where he picked up four wickets in two matches, has earned him a return to the national squad at an important juncture.