17, 44, 62, 53, _____

Given: 17, 44, 62, 53, _____

The logic follows here is:

The sum of the digits of the number in the series is equal to 8.

On checking each option we get:

option (1) → 66 = 6 + 6 = 12 ≠ 8

option (2) → 26 = 2 + 6 = 8 = 8

option (3) → 29 = 2 + 9 = 11 ≠ 8

option (4) → 63 = 6 + 3 = 9 ≠ 8

Therefore, the correct series is:

→ 17 ⇒ 1 + 7 = 8

→ 44 ⇒ 4 + 4 = 8

→ 62 ⇒ 6 + 2 = 8

→ 53 ⇒ 5 + 3 = 8

→ 26 = 2+ 6 = 8

Hence, the correct answer is "26".