Harshit Rana's India debut in Mumbai Test falls apart; Gautam Gambhir's right hand confirms

India National Cricket Team fast bowler Harshit Rana hasn't been added to the team for the last Test against the New Zealand National Cricket Team. As per the reports in the Times of India, it is learned that the fast bowler was only called to bowl in the nets ahead of the last game of the series.

Recently, a lot of media reports emerged that suggested that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has added Harshit Rana to the team for the last game. It was learned that the fast bowler has been called up to join the team in Mumbai and also will be making his debut for the team at the Wankhede Stadium.

Harshit Rana not in the final India 11

However, a source close to BCCI has denied all the reports of Harshit Rana getting added to the Indian team. He claimed that there was no meeting between the selectors and the team management related to the fast bowler's inclusion into the team for the Mumbai Test.

The BCCI source also mentioned that one of Mohammed Siraj and Akashdeep will be partnering with Jasprit Bumrah in the XI for the final game. He mentioned that Harshit Rana was called up to bowl in the nets and soon will be joining the Delhi squad for their next Ranji game. Speaking to TOI, he explained:

As of now, he hasn’t been included in the squad - BCCI source on Harshit Rana

"Washington Sundar was added to the squad before the second Test after a meeting among selectors. No such meeting has happened regarding Rana. Realistically, one pacer out of Mohammed Siraj and Akashdeep Singh will partner Jasprit Bumrah, along with three spinners in the eleven. Rana was picked as a reserve bowler for the New Zealand series.

"With the next Ranji match starting on November 6, he can bowl in the India nets for a couple of days before joining the Delhi squad. As of now, he hasn’t been included in the squad."

Harshit Rana has been fast-tracked into the Indian team

Harshit has been fast-tracked into the Indian team ever since he set the stage on fire in the IPL 2024. Playing for Kolkata Knight Riders, the fast bowler picked 19 wickets in 13 matches during the tournament, the highest among uncapped bowlers and fifth-highest overall.

Following that Harshit has been consistently travelling with the Indian team. He was all set to make his debut for the team in the T20I during the recently concluded series against the Bangladesh National Cricket Team. But he missed out due to the viral infection.

Harshit has been performing well in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024-25. He picked a five-wicket haul and scored a fifty batting at No. 8 in the game against Assam. He also has been named in the Indian team for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, which will see a team playing five games in Australia.

Rana has an impressive First Class record as well as he picked up 36 wickets at an average of 24.75 in nine games. It remains to be seen if he makes his debut for national team anytime soon.