ENG vs IND 2025: Harshit Rana released from squad after India's 1st Test defeat
Harshit Rana was named in the senior squad as the 19th member for the Leeds Test, reportedly due to a minor injury concern in the main team.
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After India’s five-wicket defeat to England in the opening Test of the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, young fast bowler Harshit Rana has been officially released from the squad ahead of the second Test in Birmingham, starting July 4.
The 23-year-old pacer initially earned a spot in India A's squad for the two first-class matches against England Lions earlier this month. Despite just picking one wicket for 99 runs in 27 overs, Rana was named in the senior squad as the 19th member for the Leeds Test, reportedly due to a minor injury concern in the main team. Rana’s selection was seen as a result of the backing he receives from head coach Gautam Gambhir.
However, following the side's defeat in Leeds, Gambhir addressed Rana’s late inclusion. With the injured player now fully fit, Rana's role as cover has ended. A BCCI official confirmed that the pacer did not travel with the team to Birmingham.
"Harshit Rana, I will discuss with the chairman of selectors. He was held back because of some niggles. Everything is fine. I will discuss, and we will then take that call," Gambhir said after India lost the opening Test by five wickets.
"Harshit Rana has been released from the squad. He hasn't travelled with the Indian squad to Birmingham for the second Test starting July 4," a BCCI source told as quoted by NDTV.
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Though not officially part of the 18-member squad anymore, Harshit is expected to remain in England for a few more days as an unofficial backup in case of further injury concerns. India’s bowling attack struggled to maintain pressure in the second innings, where England successfully chased 371. While Jasprit Bumrah picked up a five-wicket haul in the first innings, the other bowlers, including Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Shardul Thakur, failed to contribute significantly.
Harshit, along with Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh, had warmed the bench in the first Test, as India went ahead with an experienced pace trio. With Bumrah likely to be rested for two of the remaining four Tests, the management is expected to test new combinations going forward.
India's Full Squad:
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, and Kuldeep Yadav.
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