Harshit Rana, the Delhi pacer, finds himself in an unexpected turn of events as he has been asked to stay back in England, potentially joining the Indian team for the upcoming five-match Test series. This development comes after the initial 18-man squad for the England Tests was announced, where Rana's name was absent. Instead, he was included in the India A squad for their tour of England.
Rana's retention in England has sparked speculation about a possible last-minute inclusion in the senior team. According to reports, the decision to keep Rana in England is strategic. The Indian team management aims to have him available for county cricket, ensuring he remains match-ready as a potential replacement should any of the frontline fast bowlers suffer injuries or a dip in form.
Before this unexpected turn, Rana had a stint with the India A squad in England, even featuring in the first unofficial Test against England Lions. However, his performance in that match was rather unremarkable, picking up just one wicket.
Rana made his international debut against Australia in the first Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. He played two Test matches in the series, picking up four wickets. Despite this, he was overlooked for the England series, with the selectors preferring Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, and Akash Deep to accompany Jasprit Bumrah in the pace department.
Harshit Rana's journey to the national team began with a stellar performance for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL), where Gautam Gambhir served as the team's mentor. Impressing the former India cricketer, Rana earned a national call-up.
The Indian team is set to begin its five-Test series against England on June 20. Shubman Gill has been appointed as the Test captain. With Mohammed Shami missing the tour due to fitness issues, the need for additional seam options has become crucial. Rana's presence in England offers the team a qualified reserve package, providing depth to the fast bowling attack.
While it remains uncertain whether Rana will make it to the final squad for the Test series, his unexpected stay in England suggests that he is on the radar of the team management.
