Harshit Rana links up with team India for first Test in Leeds

IANS June 18, 2025 271 views

Harshit Rana has been added to India's squad for the first Test against England in Leeds. The all-rounder was initially part of the India A team but will now stay with the senior squad. Rana made his Test debut in Australia last year but had limited success. His inclusion provides depth to India’s pace attack ahead of the five-match series.

"The Men's Selection Committee has added Harshit Rana to India's squad for the first Test in Leeds against England." – BCCI
Mumbai, June 18: Fast-bowling all-rounder Harshit Rana has been included in India's squad for the first Test against England to be played at Leeds from Friday (June 20). Rana was part of the Indian squad in England and has been asked to stay back to bolster the senior squad.

Key Points

1

Rana called up after India A stint in England

2

Made Test debut in Australia last year

3

Averages 27.79 with ball in first-class cricket

4

Bolsters India’s pace attack alongside Bumrah and Siraj

"The Men's Selection Committee has added Harshit Rana to India's squad for the first Test in Leeds against England. Rana, who was a part of the India A squad, has linked up with the team as India begins preparations for the first Test," the BCCI informed in a release on Tuesday night.

The Five-match Test series kicks off at Headingley, Leeds, on June 20, 2025.

IANS had reported a few days back that Harshit Rana will stay back with the Indian Test team in England.

It was confirmed by sources to IANS that Rana, who 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, has been asked to stay back.

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’s updated squad for first Test: 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, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana.

Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments for the article:
R
Rahul P.
Exciting to see young talent getting opportunities! Rana showed promise in domestic cricket. Hope he makes the most of this chance in English conditions. Our pace attack looks strong with Bumrah leading. 🇮🇳🏏
P
Priya K.
Not sure about this selection... Rana's Test average is quite high. England conditions are tough for new bowlers. Would have preferred someone more experienced as backup. Hope he proves me wrong!
A
Amit S.
Good move! Rana is a proper all-rounder who can contribute with both bat and ball. England tour needs players who can adapt. His first-class record shows potential. Best wishes to the young lad!
S
Sanjana M.
Interesting selection! But why not give chance to Umran Malik instead? His raw pace could have been more effective in England. Anyway, hope Rana steps up to the occasion. #TeamIndia
V
Vikram J.
The management must have seen something special in Rana during the A tour. Trust their judgement. Our bench strength is looking good with multiple pace options. Excited for the series!
N
Neha R.
Good to see selectors rewarding domestic performers. Rana has worked hard in Ranji Trophy. Hope he gets a fair chance to prove himself. England series will be tough but our team looks balanced. All the best boys! 💙

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