India suffered an injury scare ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 match against South Africa. Mohammed Siraj was hit on his left knee during training in Ahmedabad. The shot came from Hardik Pandya. Siraj was in pain and “hobbled out of the nets” at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

The incident adds to India’s fitness concerns in the tournament. Jasprit Bumrah and Abhishek Sharma have already missed one match each due to illness. Washington Sundar was also unwell earlier. Before the World Cup, Harshit Rana was ruled out with an injury, leading to Siraj’s late inclusion in the squad.

Siraj has played only one match so far, against the USA. He took three wickets in that game. In other matches, India preferred Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh in the playing XI.

India are currently in Ahmedabad for the crucial Super 8 clash against South Africa. It is being seen as a rematch of the 2024 final. A win will push India closer to the semi-finals.

Meanwhile, bowling coach Morne Morkel backed Varun Chakaravarthy. He called him a key strike bowler but stressed team support.

“Varun is obviously a strike bowler for us,” Morkel said at the pre-match press conference.

“He’s done really well in the World Cup and even before the tournament. He’s a go-to guy for us along with Bumrah and the other bowlers who can take wickets,” he added.

Morkel also hinted that Varun’s impact depends on support from the rest of the attack, saying the mystery spinner becomes “even more effective when the entire bowling unit builds pressure together.”