Delhi’s talented fast bowler Harshit Rana has been called in as a replacement for India against New Zealand in the third Test to be played in Mumbai on November 1. Not sure if he is brought in as injury cover though as updates on the injury front for the attack have not been recent but if indeed being named as a member of the main squad, then this is not very good news.
Rising Star With Domestic Superb Performance
Rana was a listed uncapped player among three listed for the 18-strong Test squad that India was to play against Australia, for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy scheduled from 2024 to January 2025. When Rana remained on stand-by for the first two Tests against New Zealand last month, he had featured in just nine first-class matches.
He was released by the national side to feature for Delhi in the third round of the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy, in which Delhi ensured its first victory of the season, thanks largely to his efforts with both the bat and ball.
On that day, the stand was taken by a performance so outstanding that not only was he able to get himself a five-wicket haul in the first innings against Assam but finished with seven for the game at the Arun Jaitley Stadium while being brisk with a 59-run knock, batting down at No. 8.
Good Domestic Season And IPL Success
This summer, national selection panel head Ajit Agarkar and his committee gave Rana a contract for fast bowling. Rana has made a great start to the new season of domestic first-class cricket with two four-wicket hauls in the Duleep Trophy. During the IPL 2024 season, Rana ran hot for the Kolkata Knight Riders, taking 19 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 20.15 and an economy rate of 9.08.
Previous National Call-Ups
Rana got his first national call-up for T20Is in Zimbabwe and was part of the ODI squad that toured Sri Lanka. He has also been included in India’s T20I squad that recently whitewashed Bangladesh 3-0, though he hasn’t got his first national cap yet.
Mentorship And Skill Set
Under the guidance of current India head coach Gautam Gambhir and assistant coach Abhishek Nayar during his time in the IPL, Rana has made a name for himself with his aggressive pace and ability to swing at the later stages. This Test would be a watch for everyone as India tries to complete the series with a good win.
