By Chirag - Jun 18, 2025 03:24 PM
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In a surprising decision, fast bowler Harshit Rana has been added to India’s Test squad for the upcoming five-match Test series against England, starting on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds. Rana was not part of the main team earlier, but the selectors picked him as a backup after a late call from the team management.
The 23-year-old has shown good performances in white-ball cricket and also played a Test match against Australia. But those performances were not strong enough to keep him in the playing XI or main squad. Now, his return to the team has left many fans and experts confused.
The BCCI press statement, “The Men's Selection Committee has added Harshit Rana to India's squad for the first Test in Leeds against England.” Rana was playing with the India A team but has now joined the main squad.
Some cricket fans feel this choice might not be the best. Here are three reasons why Harshit Rana’s selection could be a mistake:
The Headingley pitch in England usually helps fast bowlers who can swing the ball. Jasprit Bumrah is already there and can trouble any batter. But India might need a swing bowler to support him.
Someone like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who can swing the ball both ways, would have been useful. Harshit Rana is more of a pace bowler and doesn’t have strong control over swing yet. This could make him less effective in English conditions.
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Rana took 4 wickets in a match in Perth last year, but in the next match (a pink-ball Test), he failed to take any wickets and bowled poorly. This shows he still struggles with consistency.
In a five-match Test series, it is very important to stay focused and bowl well under pressure. So far, Rana hasn’t shown that he can handle such tough situations regularly.
The unofficial match against the England Lions also included Anshul Kamboj, another young pacer. In the first game, Kamboj and Rana each claimed one wicket. However, Rana gave up 99 runs, while Kamboj gave up just 69.
Kamboj did even better in the second game, capturing four wickets and hitting 51* with the bat. This shows he can help both with bat and ball, which adds value to the team. Many believe Kamboj should have been picked instead of Rana.
Harshit Rana is a talented bowler, but his selection for this important Test series has raised many questions. He is young and has energy, but can he perform well in tough English conditions? Will he be able to manage pressure and keep the ball under control?
Only time will tell if the selectors made the right decision. But for now, fans and experts are not fully convinced.
Squad Update:
— BCCI (@BCCI) June 18, 2025
Harshit Rana links up with Team India for first Test in Leeds.
Details ? #TeamIndia | #ENGvINDhttps://t.co/Lv8xKZS2ZJ pic.twitter.com/dI3oygLOjH
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