IND vs ENG: Harshit Rana Added to India’s Test Squad Ahead of England Series

Fast bowler Harshit Rana has been drafted into India’s squad for the first Test match against England, scheduled to begin on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds.

The 23-year-old Delhi pacer joined the squad late on Tuesday and travelled with the team from London to Leeds. His addition comes as a surprise, as Rana was not part of India’s original 18-member squad.

BCCI Confirms Rana’s Inclusion

The BCCI confirmed Rana’s inclusion through an official statement, saying, “The Men’s Selection Committee has added Harshit Rana to India’s squad for the first Test in Leeds against England. Rana, who was a part of the India A squad, has linked up with the team as India begin preparations for the first Test.”

Rana recently featured in the unofficial Test matches for India A against England Lions, including an intra-squad fixture in Beckenham. He was spotted arriving at Leeds station with the rest of the squad, indicating his immediate availability.

Extra Fast Bowling Cover

India’s fast bowling unit already includes Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and Arshdeep Singh. Shardul Thakur and Nitish Reddy are also part of the squad as pace-bowling all-rounders.

Rana’s addition seems to be a precautionary measure, considering the demanding English conditions and fitness workload of several bowlers.

The young pacer made his international debut last year in Australia and has played two Tests, five ODIs, and one T20I for India. His performances on the A tour impressed selectors, though he was initially overlooked for this big-ticket series.

A New Chapter in Indian Test Cricket

This five-match Test series marks the beginning of India’s new World Test Championship cycle and a fresh start under Shubman Gill’s captaincy. With senior players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and R Ashwin retiring from Tests, the team is entering a transitional phase.