Hardik Pandya’s Shot Hits Teammate’s Knee | India Face Injury Scare Ahead Of South Africa T20 World Cup 2026 Clash

Hardik Pandya’s Shot Hits Teammate’s Knee, Star Leaves Field As India Face Big Injury Scare Ahead Of SA Clash

India are stationed in Ahmedabad as they gear up for the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash against South Africa. It is a rematch of the T20 World Cup 2024 final, and the winner will take a massive step towards a semi-final berth.

Ahead of the crucial encounter, the Indian cricket team suffered a major injury scare. The side has already dealt with several illness-related issues in this T20 World Cup. Jasprit Bumrah and Abhishek Sharma missed one match each due to illness, while Washington Sundar was also down.

Before the T20 World Cup 2026 began, Harshit Rana was ruled out with an injury, leading to a late call-up for Mohammed Siraj. Siraj featured in India’s opening group-stage match against the USA, picking up three wickets. However, during a training session at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday evening, he was struck on his left knee by a shot from Hardik Pandya.

Multiple reporters present at the stadium reported that Siraj was in visible pain following the incident. He was seen hobbling out of the nets after reeling in discomfort from the blow.

So far in the tournament, Siraj has played only one match, against the USA. In the remaining games, Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh have been preferred in the playing XI. Meanwhile, India bowling coachMorne Morkel backed
Varun Chakaravarthy,
calling him a key strike option while stressing the need for collective pressure from the bowling unit.

At the pre-match press conference before the Super Eight clash against South Africa on Sunday, Morkel said Varun has consistently been a wicket-taking threat in the ongoing T20 World Cup as well as in the build-up to the tournament.

“Varun is obviously a strike bowler for us. He’s done really well in the World Cup so far, even before the World Cup. He’s a go-to guy for us with Bumrah and the other bowlers who can take wickets,” Morkel said.

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