Harshit Rana ruled out of India's Afghanistan T20 series

Harshit Rana will miss India's upcoming T20 International assignment against Afghanistan as his recovery from a hamstring injury remains incomplete, according to Board of Control for Cricket in India sources. The 22-year-old pacer, who was included in the squad on a fitness-contingent basis, requires additional time before returning to international cricket.

Rana last represented India during the recent tour of England and was also named in the Asian Games contingent, subject to his fitness status. Unlike Washington Sundar, who has been cleared to participate in the Afghanistan series, Rana has not yet achieved full recovery from his injury.

India's fitness concerns extend beyond Rana. Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and all-rounder Nitish Reddy were similarly included in the squad pending medical clearance. Bumrah has been sidelined since July's ODI tour to England due to a left knee injury, while Reddy is managing a quadriceps problem.

However, BCCI officials indicated that both Bumrah and Reddy are progressing well and remain on course for their international comebacks. Following the Afghanistan series, India will face Japan in a one-off T20 International in Tokyo on September 22 before commencing their Asian Games campaign.