IND vs NZ: Have India added Harshit Rana to squad for 3rd test? Assistant coach Abhishek Nayar reveals

Harshit Rana is part of the test squad to tour Australia for the five-match series.

India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar has lifted the lid on the speculations regarding speedster Harshit Rana’s potential test debut in the upcoming match against New Zealand in Mumbai.

India, trailing 0-2 in the three-match test series, will take on the Black Caps in the third test, starting on November 1, at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

India lost the first test in pace-friendly conditions in Bengaluru by eight wickets and the second test in spin-friendly conditions in Pune by 113 runs. These results meant that New Zealand recorded their maiden test series win in India and India lost their first test series at home since 2012, a period in which they won 18 consecutive home test series.

There have been speculations on social media that in a bid to rest Jasprit Bumrah, India might hand a test debut to Delhi fast bowler Harshit Rana.

Rana was impressive earlier this year when he played a vital role in helping the Kolkata Knight Riders win the Indian Premier League title. He has also snared 43 wickets in 10 first-class games at an impressive average of 24 with two five-wicket hauls.

Rana has been named in the squad to take on Australia in the five-match test series for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. But will he make his test debut against New Zealand in Mumbai? Abhishek Nayar has quashed these rumours.

IND vs NZ: Have India added Harshit Rana to the squad for 3rd test?

No, assistant coach Abhishek Nayar has confirmed that Harshit Rana is not part of the Indian squad for the third test against New Zealand.

According to a report in Times Of India, Rana was called up to the Mumbai nets on Tuesday but he has not been added to the India squad yet.

Apart from Bumrah, India have Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj in the squad. Siraj played in the first test and Akash in the second test.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.