Harshit Rana stays back in England: India bets on pace for Headingley Tests

India has strategically decided to keep fast bowler Harshit Rana with the Test squad in England, aiming to bolster their pace attack for the upcoming Headingley Tests starting June 20.

The decision is influenced by the lush green pitch at Headingley, which favors bowlers who can generate pace and bounce, qualities Rana is known for. A source confirmed to TOI that Rana was asked by the team management to stay back with the Indian Test team.

Rana, a Delhi pacer, made his Test debut during last year's Australia tour, taking four wickets in two Tests at an average of 50.75, with his best figures being three for 48 in Perth. His first-class cricket record is impressive, averaging 27.79 with 48 wickets in 13 games.

His rise to the Indian team was propelled by a standout performance for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2024, where current India head coach Gautam Gambhir was the franchise's mentor.

In England, Rana played against the England Lions at Canterbury, returning figures of 1-99 and scoring 16 runs. While it is confirmed he will stay with the team, it remains unclear if he will be officially added to the Test squad ahead of the series.

"In a move which will reinforce India's pace attack, fast bowler Harshit Rana has been asked by the team management to stay back with the Indian Test team in England," a source told TOI.

This move underscores India's intent to leverage pace bowling on green pitches, with Rana's ability to generate bounce seen as a key asset for the Headingley Tests.

India has decided to retain fast bowler Harshit Rana with the Test squad in England, banking on his pace and bounce for the Headingley Tests starting June 20. Rana impressed in IPL 2024 and made his Test debut in Australia, with promising first-class stats backing the move.