Harshit Rana confirmed to stay back with the Indian Test team in England: Sources

IANS June 17, 2025 262 views

Harshit Rana has been confirmed to stay with India's Test team in England after his stint with India A. His official inclusion in the squad remains uncertain ahead of the five-match series. The fast-bowler made his Test debut in Australia last year but was initially overlooked for this tour. India, led by Shubman Gill, aim for their first Test series win in England since 2007.

"Yes, after a lot of speculation going around, it has now been confirmed that Rana will stay back with the Indian Test team." – IANS Sources
New Delhi, June 16: Fast-bowling all-rounder Harshit Rana will stay back with the Indian Test team in England, it has been confirmed by sources to IANS. Rana was with the India ‘A’ team in England to play two four-day matches against the England Lions and an intra-squad game against the Test team in Beckenham.

Key Points

1

Rana played for India A in England before Test squad retention

2

His Test debut in Australia yielded four wickets

3

Not initially picked for England series

4

Averages 27.79 with ball in first-class cricket

“Yes, after a lot of speculation going around, it has now been confirmed that Rana will stay back with the Indian Test team. But it is yet to be known if he will be officially added to the Indian Test squad ahead of the series starting on June 20,” the sources, who are aware of the development, told IANS.

It is understood that the members of India ‘A’ team who aren’t in the main Test side or haven’t landed a county deal yet might be on the flight back home on Tuesday. In England, Rana got his chance to play in the first game against England Lions at Canterbury, where he returned with 1-99 and made 16 runs.

Rana made his Test debut on last year’s tour of Australia, where he managed to pick just four wickets at an average of 50.75, with his best figures being 3-48 in Perth. He was not selected for the upcoming five-match series against England as the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee picked Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, and Prasidh Krishna to be in the fast-bowling department alongside Jaspreet Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.

Overall, the New Delhi-based Rana averages 27.79 with the ball in 13 first-class cricket games, having taken 48 wickets. He also averages 32.80 with the bat, including hitting a century and two fifties.

India, captained by Shubman Gill, are aiming to win a Test series in England for the first time since 2007. The five-match Test series, to be played at Headingley, Edgbaston, Lord’s, Old Trafford, and The Oval, will also be India’s first assignment in the 2025-27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Good decision! Rana has potential and England conditions might suit his bowling. Remember how Ishant Sharma improved after England tours. Let's hope he learns from Bumrah and Siraj. 🇮🇳🏏 #TeamIndia
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Priya M.
Not sure about this move. His Test record isn't great and we already have 5 pacers. Should have given chance to someone like Mukesh Kumar who has better domestic numbers. Hope selectors know what they're doing!
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Amit S.
Smart move to keep him as net bowler at least. England tour is long and injuries can happen. His all-round skills could be useful if any main bowler gets injured. Remember what happened in Australia 2020-21!
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Sanjana R.
Exciting news! Rana has that X-factor we need in England. His batting can be handy too at No.8. Hope he gets to play at least one Test. Let's back our young talents! 🙌
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Vikram J.
Good exposure for him but hope this doesn't mean we're doubting our main pace attack. Bumrah-Siraj combo is world class. Rana should focus on learning from this experience rather than expecting to play.
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Neha P.
Interesting decision. His first-class average is decent but 1-99 against England Lions isn't confidence inspiring. Maybe the team sees something we don't. Fingers crossed for our boys in England! #BleedBlue

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Tags:
Harshit Rana India vs England Test series India cricket team Fast bowlers Shubman Gill