With the inaugural Test between India and England soon to be played, it has been reported that a new name might be included in India’s team. According to a report, Delhi seamer Harshit Rana is going to be included as the 19th man in the team, though the BCCI has not yet made the development official.
India had previously released an 18-man team on May 24, a new era of Indian Test cricket after the retirements of veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. The team had a new age look, with Sai Sudharsan making his Test debut and Karun Nair and Shardul Thakur returning. The pace unit already had five names in Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and Arshdeep Singh.
“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.” according to IANS
Still, with India looking to kick off their new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle on a strong note and win a Test series in England for the first time since 2007, the management supposedly believes Rana is an asset.
Rana featured in India A matches against England Lions in Canterbury, taking 1/99 and making 16 runs. Not the best outing by any means, but reportedly selectors are eager to put money into him.
Also Read: ENG Vs IND: Why Is Harshit Rana Staying Back In England While India A Returns?
The 22-year-old played his first Test on India’s 2024 tour of Australia, and took four wickets in two matches. Although he was not chosen for the England tour at first, his overall first-class figures 48 wickets at 27.79 and a batting average of 32.80 with one century under his belt suggest that he provides depth to both departments.
With Shubman Gill being the captain and Gautam Gambhir as head coach, India start their five-Test series with the first Test taking place at Headingley, followed by games at Edgbaston, Lord’s, Old Trafford, and The Oval.
