Harshit Rana Joins India’s Test Squad as Backup Ahead of England Series Opener

Indian pacer Harshit Rana has been officially added as a backup to India’s Test squad ahead of their high-stakes five-match series against England, beginning June 20. The 23-year-old Delhi seamer joined the senior team in Leeds on Tuesday, traveling alongside the rest of the squad from London by train.

Rana, who made his international debut last year in Australia, was initially not part of the 18-member squad selected for the England tour. However, he was actively involved with the India A setup, having featured in the first unofficial Test against the England Lions in Canterbury. His inclusion as a reserve reflects the team management’s confidence in his abilities and readiness to step up if needed.

“He has been added as cover and arrived in Leeds with the team today,” confirmed a source from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), highlighting the strategic move to bolster India’s pace options ahead of the demanding series.

Rana’s international experience, though limited, adds valuable depth. He has represented India in two Tests, five One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and a solitary T20 International. Known for his aggressive bowling and ability to generate bounce, Rana could prove crucial if conditions demand pace reinforcements during the series.

The Indian contingent’s preparation for the England tour has been meticulous. The team, along with several India A players including KL Rahul, Karun Nair, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shardul Thakur, Dhruv Jurel, and Nitish Reddy, arrived in the United Kingdom early to acclimatize and gain match practice. 

These players were part of India A’s setup and participated in a competitive intra-squad game against the senior team at Beckenham — the sole warm-up fixture before the opening Test.

With the series opener just days away, team India’s management appears to be leaving no stone unturned. Rana’s arrival in Leeds was noted as he disembarked with the rest of the squad at the city’s train station, underscoring his seamless integration into the team environment.

As the countdown begins for the much-anticipated series, the inclusion of young talent like Rana is a testament to the depth in India’s cricketing ranks. Whether he gets a spot in the playing XI remains uncertain, but his presence offers vital insurance in a long and physically demanding series.