(Image source from: Hindustantimes.com)
As per a recent report, the Indian cricket team for the upcoming Tests against England has welcomed a new player. The initial match, set to take place in Leeds, is just three days away, and it appears that the team, guided by coach Gautam Gambhir, aims to enhance its lineup. On May 24, an 18-member squad was unveiled, showcasing a revamped team following the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Sai Sudharshan has received his first Test call, while Karun Nair and Shardul Thakur are making a return to the squad.
A notable aspect of this selection is the inclusion of five fast bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and Arshdeep Singh. According to a report from Dainik Jagran, Harshit Rana has also been added to the roster. Should this report be confirmed, he will become the 19th player in the squad. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to provide official confirmation regarding this addition.
Previously, insiders familiar with the situation informed news agency IANS: "Yes, after much speculation, it has now been verified that Rana will remain with the Indian Test team. However, it's unclear if he will officially join the squad prior to the series that begins on June 20."
It is believed that members of the ‘A’ team who are not part of the main Test roster or have not secured county contracts may return home on Tuesday. During his time in England, Rana participated in the opening match against the England Lions at Canterbury, where he recorded figures of 1-99 and scored 16 runs.
Rana made his Test debut during last year’s tour in Australia, where he took four wickets at an average of 50.75, with his best performance being 3-48 in Perth. He was omitted from the forthcoming five-match series against England as the selection panel, headed by Ajit Agarkar, opted for Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, and Prasidh Krishna to join Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj in the fast-bowling contingent.
Overall, Rana, hailing from New Delhi, holds an average of 27.79 with the ball across 13 first-class matches, having claimed 48 wickets. With the bat, he averages 32.80, featuring a century and two fifties in his record.
India, under the captaincy of Shubman Gill, is striving to secure a Test series victory in England for the first time since 2007. The five-match Test series will occur at Headingley, Edgbaston, Lord’s, Old Trafford, and The Oval, marking India's inaugural assignment in the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle.
Here is the Indian squad for England Tour:
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.
