Sources: 1
Fast bowler
Harshit Rana, who recently impressed in IPL 2024 and made his Test debut during India's Australia tour, is staying back in England instead of returning with the India A squad on June 17. This move hints at a possible selection u-turn for the ongoing Test series in England.
Rana, a Delhi speedster, caught the eye with his performances for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2024, where
former India head coach Gautam Gambhir was the franchise mentor. His impressive form earned him a national call-up, and he played two Tests in Australia, taking four wickets.
Despite this, Rana was initially overlooked for the England Test series, with selectors opting for pacers
Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna alongside Jasprit Bumrah. However, his decision to stay back in England suggests that the selectors might reconsider their pace bowling options.
According to a report in RevSportz, Rana will not be on the flight back to India with the rest of the India A squad, indicating that he could be retained for further involvement in the England series. This development could provide India with additional pace bowling depth as they navigate the challenging English conditions.
"The Delhi speedster broke into the Indian team after a splendid show for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2024," the report noted, highlighting Rana's rise through domestic and franchise cricket.
With the England series underway, Rana's extended stay in England could signal a strategic shift by the BCCI selectors, potentially giving the young pacer another opportunity to prove himself at the highest level.
Sources: 1
India hints at a Test series selection u-turn as fast bowler Harshit Rana, who impressed in IPL 2024 and debuted in Australia, stays back in England instead of returning with the India A squad. Rana was previously overlooked for the England series in favor of other pacers.
