Fast bowler Harshit Rana has reportedly been drafted into India’s Test squad ahead of the upcoming series against England.
Rana was part of the India A contingent and featured in the first four-day match against the England Lions in Canterbury, where he bowled 27 overs and returned figures of 1 for 99.
Rana made his international debut in the Perth Test against Australia last November. He picked up 3 for 48 in the first innings and 1 for 69 in the second, playing a key role in India’s victory. He also featured in the second Test of the series but did not pick up a wicket.
The 23-year-old has played 13 first-class matches and has 48 scalps at an average of 27.79. He also has two five-wicket hauls, along with best figures of 7-45. Rana has also made an impact with the bat in red-ball cricket. In 18 innings, he has scored 492 runs with a high score of 122*. He has also made two fifties and has a batting strike rate of 82.68 in the format.
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The Delhi quick, who plays for Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, had a breakthrough season last year, where he picked up 19 wickets at 20.15 and an economy rate of 9.08. He was unable to replicate the same form in 2025, getting 19 wickets at 29.86. He also leaked runs at 10.18 an over.
According to a Cricbuzz report, however, Rana has only been asked to stay back as unofficial cover and has not yet been officially added to the squad.
The first Test begins at Leeds on Friday, with India being led by Shubman Gill. The youngster has been given the role after Rohit Sharma’s retirement, and is also likely to take the place of Virat Kohli at No.4 in the batting order.
The initial 18-member team also included Karun Nair, who is set to make a Test comeback after March 2017, alongside Sai Sudharsan and Arshdeep Singh, both of whom have received maiden Test call-ups.
India’s squad for England Test series
Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana*
*Reportedly been added to the side as cover
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