Harshit Rana's Gautam Gambhir connection lands him a questionable spot in India squad vs England

Fast bowler Harshit Rana has been included in India’s Test squad ahead of the five-match series against England, with the first Test set to begin on Friday, June 20 at Headingley. Rana was not part of the original 18-member squad but joined the team on Tuesday and travelled with the squad.

India, led by Shubman Gill, have five frontline fast bowlers, including Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and Arshdeep Singh, along with pace-bowling all-rounders Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shardul Thakur. Bumrah will likely play only three Test matches in the series.

Harshit Rana Recently Played for India A and in Intra-Squad Match

Harshit Rana was recently part of the India A squad that took on the England Lions in two unofficial Tests. He also played in an intra-squad match held in Beckenham. The fast bowler featured in the first unofficial Test at Canterbury, where he picked up one wicket, but did not play in the second match.

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Earlier, the 23-year-old fast bowler from Delhi made his red-ball debut for India against Australia at the Optus Stadium in Perth. He made an impact by taking four wickets in the match, with Travis Head being his first dismissal in red-ball cricket.

However, his form dipped in the following match in Adelaide, where he went wicketless and conceded 86 runs in 16 overs. He was dropped from the remainder of the tour.

BCCI Officially Announces Inclusion of Harshit Rana in Test Squad

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced the inclusion of Rana in the squad for the opening Test against England in Leeds.

“The Men's Selection Committee has added Harshit Rana to India's squad for the first Test in Leeds against England,” BCCI stated in a release.

“Rana, who was a part of the India A squad has linked up with the team as India begin preparations for the first Test.”

Team India's updated squad: Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (VC & WK), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana.

Team India Unlikely to Play Harshit Rana in Opening Test vs England

Harshit is unlikely to feature in the playing XI for the first Test against England at Leeds. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj are expected to lead the pace attack.

Prasidh Krishna and Akash Deep will compete for the third seamer's spot, while Arshdeep Singh, who has prior county cricket experience, is also in contention for a Test debut. His left-arm angle could add variety to the bowling attack.

Shubman Gill takes over as Test captain following Rohit Sharma’s retirement from the format. India will be aiming for their first Test series win in England since 2007, but it will be a major challenge for this young side.

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