In a potentially significant development ahead of the highly anticipated Test series between India and England, reports suggest that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) might be considering a last-minute addition to the India squad. Fast bowler Harshit Rana, initially part of the India A squad, has been asked to stay back in England, fueling speculation that he could be drafted into the main Test team.
With just a few days remaining before the first Test begins on June 20th in Leeds, this decision has sparked considerable discussion among cricket fans and analysts. The India A squad recently participated in an intra-squad match against the senior Indian team in Beckenham, Kent. This match served as crucial preparation for the Test series, providing valuable game time for the players. While the match was also an opportunity for the India A players to showcase their abilities and potentially stake a claim for a spot in the Test squad.
Harshit Rana's retention in England has led to speculation. While the report doesn't confirm whether Rana will be added to the Test squad, it suggests that his case is being viewed differently from other Indian players who have received offers from various County teams in England.
The decision to keep Rana in England comes after the conclusion of the intra-squad match, which India wrapped up after eight sessions. Several players from both sides impressed, including Shubman Gill and KL Rahul, who scored half-centuries. Sarfaraz Khan also shone with a 76-ball century for India A, while Shardul Thakur made a strong case for his inclusion in the playing XI with an unbeaten 122. With the ball, Mohammed Siraj picked up two wickets but proved to be expensive, while Jasprit Bumrah went wicketless. Shardul Thakur was among the wicket-takers on the first day, extracting some movement from the surface.
Rana's potential inclusion could provide the Indian team with an added dimension to their bowling attack. His ability to generate pace and extract bounce could be particularly useful in English conditions.
The BCCI is yet to make an official announcement regarding any changes to the Test squad. The team is scheduled to travel to Leeds on June 17th. The official training session will commence on June 18th and continue on June 19th, providing the players with further opportunities to acclimatize to the conditions. As the first Test approaches, all eyes will be on the team selection and whether Harshit Rana will indeed feature in the final XI.
