Recent reports indicate that fast bowler Harshit Rana is set to remain in England, sparking speculation about a potential addition to the Indian Test squad for the upcoming series against England, which commences on June 20.
Rana, who was initially part of the India A squad currently touring England, participated in two four-day matches against England Lions and an intra-squad game against the Test team in Beckenham. While the rest of the India A team is scheduled to fly back to India on June 17, Rana will be staying back.
According to sources at IANS, “Yes, after a lot of speculation going around, it has now been confirmed that Rana will stay back with the Indian Test team. But it is yet to be known if he will be officially added to the Indian Test squad ahead of the series starting on June 20.”
This development has led to considerable discussion within cricketing circles, particularly given the existing composition of India's pace attack. The current squad already includes established names such as Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, alongside promising bowlers like Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and Arshdeep Singh.
It is worth noting that Bumrah will not be available for all the matches. In light of this, Rana's potential inclusion could serve as a strategic move to bolster the team's fast-bowling options throughout the series.
Rana made his Test debut during India's tour of Australia last year, where he played two matches and secured four wickets. In the recent India A game against England Lions, he took one wicket for 99 runs and contributed 16 runs with the bat. While his performance in the intra-squad match hasn't been revealed, his overall first-class record showcases considerable promise, with 48 wickets at an average of 27.79 and a batting average of 32.80, including a century and two fifties.
Several other India A players have secured county deals, but it is believed that Rana's situation is different.
The Indian team is set to arrive in Leeds on June 17, where they will be joined by Gautam Gambhir, who had briefly returned home due to personal reasons. The first Test is scheduled to begin on June 20 in Leeds.
