Harshit Rana Joins India’s Test Squad for Leeds Opener Against England

In a late development ahead of the first Test against England at Leeds, 23-year-old pacer Harshit Rana has been added to India’s squad. The BCCI confirmed the news on Tuesday night through a statement released by secretary Devjit Saikia.

“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 begin preparations for the first Test,” the statement read. While Rana wasn’t part of the initial 18-man squad, he’s now joined the team at Headingley after traveling with the group from London. It remains unclear whether he will stay on with the squad for the entire series or just the opening match. 

The 23-year-old fast bowler has already played two Tests, five ODIs and a T20I for India, and recently turned out for India A in their series against the England Lions. He also featured in an intra-squad warm-up game in Beckenham and was spotted arriving at Leeds station alongside his teammates earlier this week. 

Interestingly, another name in the mix was Anshul Kamboj, who took five wickets in the unofficial matches for India A and was reportedly being considered for a call-up. However, in a last-minute twist, it was Rana who got the nod as the 19th member of the squad. India’s current pace attack in England includes Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and Arshdeep Singh. There are also two seam-bowling all-rounders in the setup: Shardul Thakur and Nitish Kumar Reddy. 

But with Bumrah admitting he won’t be available for all five Tests due to concerns over his back, the team management clearly wants to have additional cover. Speaking to Sky Sports, Bumrah explained, “I won’t be able to play all matches in a five-match series… Three Test matches is what I’m looking at. And obviously, the number is not decided. First is definitely on. Yes, that is going to happen. Rest we see how things are, what is the workload, what are the scenarios going on. But yeah, exactly three Test matches are what I can manage at this moment. And I don’t want to be in a desperate scenario.” 

Given the demands of a long series and the pace-friendly conditions in England, Rana’s inclusion looks like a smart precautionary move—especially with some players’ fitness still under watch. 

This series also marks the beginning of a new chapter for Indian Test cricket. With Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin stepping away from the red-ball format, Shubman Gill takes the reins in what is being seen as a fresh start in the new World Test Championship cycle. The first Test of the five-match series begins on June 20 at Headingley. 

Also Read: Bumrah Reveals Why He Turned Down India’s Test Captaincy