Harshit Rana Set to Join India's Test Squad Ahead of England Series

Potential Addition to India's Test Team

As the first Test match between India and England approaches, reports suggest that Delhi fast bowler Harshit Rana may be added to India's squad as the 19th member. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to confirm this development officially.

On May 24, India announced an 18-member squad, marking a new chapter in Indian Test cricket following the retirements of seasoned players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. The team features a fresh look, with Sai Sudharsan making his Test debut and Karun Nair and Shardul Thakur making a comeback. The pace attack includes Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and Arshdeep Singh.

“Yes, after much speculation, it has been confirmed that Rana will remain with the Indian Test team. However, it remains unclear if he will be officially included in the squad before the series begins on June 20,” a source revealed.

India aims to start their new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle strongly and secure a Test series victory in England for the first time since 2007. The management reportedly views Rana as a valuable addition.

Rana participated in India A matches against the England Lions in Canterbury, where he took 1 wicket for 99 runs and scored 16 runs. Although his performance was not stellar, selectors are keen to invest in his potential.

The 22-year-old made his Test debut during India's 2024 tour of Australia, claiming four wickets across two matches. Initially overlooked for the England tour, his first-class statistics—48 wickets at an average of 27.79 and a batting average of 32.80, including one century—indicate his capability in both bowling and batting.

Under the captaincy of Shubman Gill and with Gautam Gambhir as head coach, India will kick off their five-Test series, starting with the first match at Headingley, followed by fixtures at Edgbaston, Lord's, Old Trafford, and The Oval.