5 matches… and then out! Carelessness or bad luck, how did Harshit’s weight increase in rehab?
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Harshit Rana Fitness: Questions are being raised on the fitness program of fast bowler Harshit Rana, who suffered a hamstring strain in his first international series after returning from knee surgery and according to top sources, his weight had increased during ‘rehabilitation’, due to which he probably got this injury.
Harshit Rana out of Team India again due to poor fitness
New Delhi: Indian fast bowler Harshit Rana has once again been injured after returning from knee surgery. According to sources, 24-year-old Harshit was overweight when he joined the team for the T-20 phase of the England and Ireland tour. He played two T20 matches against Ireland and three against England, but due to muscle strain, he had to be out of the team after only five matches. BCCI had then said in the release:
Harshit Rana suddenly felt pain in his right leg during the third T20 International match against England at Trent Bridge. A subsequent scan test confirmed a ‘grade-1 hamstring’ injury.
Why did Harshit gain weight in the rehab program?
Due to this injury, he could not play even in the three-match ODI series even though he was expected to play an important role in it. However, the biggest matter of concern for Gautam Gambhir’s team management and the national selection committee is why Harshit’s weight increased despite knee surgery, ‘rehab’ and completing the ‘return to play’ protocol at the ‘Center of Excellence’ in Bengaluru.
Harshit’s injury is a big threat for the team
A senior BCCI source told PTI on the condition of confidentiality, ‘Harshit is a very important member of this team keeping in mind the 2027 World Cup, he is being seen as a potential player who can bowl at a speed of around 140 km per hour and bat at number eight, but he will have to be more cautious about his fitness routine.’
Overweight is suicidal for pacers
The source said, ‘Recently when he joined the team, his weight was found to be more than normal. For a fast bowling player, extra weight increases the pressure on the body and this significantly increases the risk of hamstring tear. Harshit’s injury is an indication that despite successfully completing the ‘rehab’ program after knee surgery and obtaining a fitness certificate, he did not pay full attention to weight control. This is often a challenging aspect for players who have been injured for a long time.
About the Author
Anshul Talmale is captaining the sports desk of Network18 Group from February 2025, wearing the jersey of Deputy News Editor. Here, he is handling the role of sports content planning, editorial direction and strategy making.read more
