Explained: Why was Harshit Rana released from the India squad ahead of ENG vs IND 2nd test at Edgbaston

Harshit Rana was included in India’s squad for the first test against England in Leeds.

Indian pacer Harshit Rana has been released from India’s squad ahead of the second test against England. The right-arm pacer was included in the squad for the opening game at Headingley, Leeds. India Cricket Team and England Cricket Team are locking horns in a five-match test series.

Ahead of the ENG vs IND test series, Harshit Rana was part of the India A squad for the two-match unofficial test series against England Lions. While the rest of the players returned home after the unofficial series, Rana was asked to stay back and was then added to the senior team for the opening test.

In the opening clash, the Shubman Gill-led side lost to England by five wickets. The visitors showed a wonderful form with five centuries coming from them during the match. Jasprit Bumrah picked up a five-wicket haul in the first innings. However, Ben Stokes & Co. managed to chase down a 371-run target in the final innings quite comfortably.

Why Harshit Rana was released from the Indian squad ahead of the second test against England

A source told IANS that Harshit Rana was inducted into the squad as a back-up for one of the pacers, who faced a niggle. However, since the pacer has recovered from the niggle, Rana has been released from the squad.

“Actually, one of the pacers in the main Test team had a niggle. If the team think-tank wished to have someone as a back-up bowler who could execute a bouncer-led strategy, it was Rana who fit the bill and thus was held back”, a source was quoted as saying by IANS.

“But as things stand, everything is fine now. As a result, Rana has now been released from the squad, and that’s why he was not spotted with the team on their travel to Birmingham,” he further added.

Harshit Rana made his test debut in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 against Australia earlier this year. He picked up a three-wicket haul in the Perth test. He took four wickets across two matches during the series.

Meanwhile, the hosts England lead the five-match series 1-0 after winning the opening game. Both sides will now clash in the second test, scheduled to commence from July 2. The encounter will take place at Edgbaston Cricket Stadium, Birmingham. The Shubman Gill & Co. will begin their practice for the second test on Friday.

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