The second Test in Birmingham, which begins on July 4, will see the official release of young fast bowler Harshit Rana from the team following India’s five-wicket loss to England in the first Test of the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
In the first two first-class matches against the England Lions earlier this month, the 23-year-old bowler was selected for the India A team. Rana was selected as the 19th player for the Leeds Test, despite only taking one wicket for 99 runs in 27 overs. This was apparently because of a small injury worry in the starting lineup. The support that head coach Gautam Gambhir gives Rana was a factor in his selection.
However, Gautam Gambhir addressed Rana’s late introduction after the team’s loss in Leeds. Rana’s cover job is over now that the injured player is fully recovered. The pacer did not go to Birmingham with the team, according to a BCCI official.
“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.
India to opt for new bowling combinations going forward
Harshit Rana is anticipated to stay in England for a few more days as an unofficial backup in case there are any more injury problems, even though he is no longer formally a member of the 18-man team. In the second innings, England successfully chased 371 runs as India’s bowling attack found it difficult to keep up the pressure. The remaining bowlers Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Shardul Thakur did not make much of an impact, despite Jasprit Bumrah taking five wickets in the first innings.
In the first Test, Harshit, Akash Deep, and Arshdeep Singh warmed the bench as India advanced with a seasoned pace trio. The management is anticipated to try fresh combinations in the future since Bumrah is probably going to be rested for two of the final four tests.
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.
