Harshit Rana Returns to India ODI Squad for Final Match Against Afghanistan

Harshit Rana has been added to the Indian squad for the final ODI against Afghanistan, marking his return after recovering from a knee injury. His direct inclusion has raised eyebrows among fans, leading to discussions about favoritism in selection criteria. As India looks ahead to future tournaments, Rana's performance in this match will be crucial for his reintegration into the team. The upcoming game presents an opportunity for him to showcase his readiness after a significant layoff. With the 2027 World Cup on the horizon, the management is keen to have him back in the fold.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 19, 2026, 15:10 IST

Harshit Rana's Comeback to the National Team

Pacer Harshit Rana has been reinstated in the Indian squad for the concluding ODI against Afghanistan, scheduled for Sunday, June 21, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

This marks Rana's return to the national team after he was sidelined due to a significant right knee ligament injury sustained during a warm-up match against South Africa in February. He underwent surgery and was replaced by Mohammed Siraj for the T20 World Cup 2026.

Rehabilitation and Recovery

Following his surgery, Harshit Rana completed his rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, focusing on regaining his fitness for upcoming international matches. As a player under the BCCI's central contract, he was prioritized for a direct return to the national squad.

The BCCI confirmed in an official statement that Rana has rejoined the ODI team in Chennai after finishing his rehabilitation.

Opportunity to Assess Match Readiness

With India having already secured the ODI series against Afghanistan, the upcoming match serves as a chance for Harshit Rana to demonstrate his readiness for competitive play after a lengthy injury absence. His inclusion is also seen as a preparatory step for the forthcoming T20I series against Ireland and England.

Controversy Surrounding Selection Criteria

The decision to include Harshit Rana directly into the squad has sparked debates about favoritism and selection standards among fans on social media. Many questioned the rationale behind his selection without prior domestic match experience, especially in light of the fitness protocols that other players, like Mohammed Shami, had to follow.

Critics highlighted the perceived double standards in the selection process, noting that while Shami had to prove his fitness through domestic matches, Rana was allowed to skip this step.

Future Prospects

Harshit Rana is viewed as a key player in India's plans leading up to the 2027 World Cup, which will be hosted in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. The team management is eager to reintegrate him into the white-ball format as quickly as possible.