In preparation for the third Test against New Zealand, Delhi pacer Harshit Rana has been invited to bowl in the Indian nets at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. The 22-year-old seamer’s inclusion brings fresh energy and sharpness to India’s training sessions before the match begins on Friday.
Recent performances by Harshit Rana
Harshit Rana, who recently secured a spot in India’s 18-member squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, has been delivering impressive performances this domestic season. With a standout haul of 5 for 80 and 2 for 61 against Assam, along with a resilient 59-run knock, Rana was instrumental in Delhi’s 10-wicket win at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Despite his impact, BCCI sources confirmed to TOI that Rana is not yet officially part of the Indian Test squad for the New Zealand series.
As a reserve bowler, Harshit Rana has already spent valuable time training alongside other backups like Mayank Yadav, Nitish Reddy, and Prasidh Krishna, all of whom bowled in the nets during the first Test in Bengaluru.
Backup role and likely bowling combination
According to a BCCI source, Harshit Rana’s role for now remains as a reserve pacer. After discussions among selectors, Washington Sundar was added to the main squad prior to the second Test, but there hasn’t been any similar meeting regarding Rana’s inclusion. “Realistically, one pacer out of Mohammed Siraj and Akashdeep Singh will join Jasprit Bumrah in the playing eleven, supported by three spinners,” the source noted.
With Delhi’s next Ranji Trophy match slated for 6 November, it’s expected that Rana will rejoin his home team after contributing in the Indian nets.
Close Call for International Debut for Harshit Rana
Known for his potent pace and precision, Harshit Rana has been close to making his international debut. Earlier this year, he was on the cusp of playing in the Zimbabwe T20I series but narrowly missed out. Despite his brief stint as a part of India’s T20I squad against Bangladesh, he’s yet to make an appearance on the field, but his consistent performances keep him on the selectors’ radar.
Other players gearing up
While Harshit Rana brings intensity to the nets, other squad members, including KL Rahul and wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel, also trained at Wankhede on Tuesday. Rahul, who did not play in the second Test, took to the nets, indicating his determination to be ready if called upon for the final match.
As India prepares for the third Test against a challenging New Zealand side, the inclusion of fresh talent like Harshit Rana adds versatility and vigour to the practice sessions, while established players refine their skills. Whether Rana officially joins the squad or heads back to the Ranji Trophy circuit, his presence signals India’s growing depth in fast-bowling talent.
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