Joy for KKR: Harshit Rana denied India debut due to viral infection

India National Cricket Team fast bowler Harshit Rana was all set to make his debut for the team in the ongoing last T20I against the Bangladesh National Cricket Team. The dead rubber between the teams is taking place at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.

On the eve of the third T20I against the Bangladesh National Cricket Team, assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate provided a massive hint about Harshit Rana making his India debut. He said that they are keen to give the fast bowler a game in Indian colors.

BCCI provides update on Harshit Rana

But his debut was denied due to the viral infection that he faced. Harshit Rana didn't travel with the team and wasn't available for the selection for the third T20I against the Bangladesh National Cricket Team. The development was confirmed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) which stated:

"Mr Harshit Rana was unavailable for selection for the third T20I due to a viral infection and did not travel with the team to the stadium."

UPDATE: Mr. Harshit Rana was unavailable for selection for the third T20I due to a viral infection and did not travel with the team to the stadium.#TeamIndia | #INDvBAN | @IDFCFIRSTBank

— BCCI (@BCCI) October 12, 2024

Harshit Rana didn't get an opportunity to play in the first two games. But has been in the setup of the India National Cricket Team for a while now. He has been travelling with the team for a while now and it won't be a surprise if he makes his debut anytime soon for the Suryakumar Yadav-led side.

Harshit Rana has been one of the most exciting players going around in Indian domestic cricket. He has been delivering consistent performances for his Team and was also at his best in the IPL 2024, where he helped the Kolkata Knight Riders win their third title.

KKR can now retain Harshit Rana in uncapped player section

With Harshit Rana not making his India debut, it will be a huge relief for his franchise Kolkata Knight Riders. The IPL 2024 winners will now be able to retain him under the uncapped player category. Each franchise in the league can retain uncapped players at the price of INR 4 crore.

Meanwhile, the India National Cricket Team has opted to bat first in the ongoing third T20I against the Bangladesh National Cricket Team. The Suryakumar Yadav-led side has made one change to the team, bringing in Ravi Bishnoi in place of fast bowler Arshdeep Singh, who has been rested for the game.

India skipper Suryakumar Yadav said that by opting to bat first, they are working on their ability to set target and defend the total with dew around. He mentioned that they want to give freedom to players so that they can make an impact. Speaking during the toss, he explained:

"We would like to bat first, looks a good wicket. These are the things we want to do. Set a target and defend the total with dew around. I think it's important to continue with the good habits, it will have a good impact on us. We just want to give freedom, the guys want to make an impact. Happy with the way the guys are playing. Arshdeep misses out, Bishnoi comes in."

India and Bangladesh playing 11 for the 3rd T20I

Bangladesh (Playing XI): Parvez Hossain Emon, Litton Das(w), Najmul Hossain Shanto(c), Tanzid Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah, Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib

India (Playing XI): Sanju Samson(w), Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Nitish Reddy, Hardik Pandya, Riyan Parag, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Mayank Yadav