Mumbai:
India fast bowler Mohammed Siraj suffered an injury scare after being struck on the knee by a shot from teammate Hardik Pandya during a training session ahead of India’s Super Eight clash against South Africa in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
The Indian team is currently in Ahmedabad preparing for the crucial encounter, which is being viewed as a significant match in the race for the semi-finals and also a rematch of the 2024 T20 World Cup final. However, India’s preparations were briefly disrupted after Siraj was hit on his left knee by a firmly struck shot from Pandya during a net session at the Narendra Modi Stadium. 
According to reports from the training ground, Siraj was in visible pain immediately after the impact and required attention from support staff. The pacer was later seen hobbling out of the nets, raising concerns within the Indian camp about his fitness ahead of the important fixture. 
The incident has added to India’s injury and illness concerns during the tournament. Several players have dealt with fitness issues in recent weeks. Fast bowler Harshit Rana was ruled out before the tournament due to injury, with Siraj coming in as his replacement. Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah and Abhishek Sharma have both missed matches due to illness, while Washington Sundar has also been unwell during the competition. 
Siraj has so far featured in only one match in the tournament, against the United States, where he impressed with a three-wicket haul. However, in subsequent matches, India opted for a pace attack led by Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, leaving Siraj as a reserve option. 
With India set to face South Africa in a high-stakes Super Eight encounter, the team management is expected to closely monitor Siraj’s condition. There has been no official confirmation yet on the extent of the injury or whether it could affect his availability for the upcoming match. 
Meanwhile, India bowling coach Morne Morkel spoke about the team’s bowling combinations ahead of the game, highlighting the role of mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy as a key attacking option. Morkel said the spinner’s effectiveness depends on the overall pressure created by the bowling unit, including frontline pacers such as Jasprit Bumrah.
The training ground incident briefly halted India’s practice session, with players and staff gathering around Siraj after he was struck. The pacer eventually walked off the field, and the team is expected to assess his condition before finalising its plans for the South Africa match. 
India’s upcoming clash against South Africa is expected to play a major role in determining the semi-final lineup, making player fitness a key concern for the team management going into the decisive stage of the tournament.
