Harshit Rana Released from Indian Squad Ahead of Second Test

Source: X/Harshit Rana

Pacer fails to impress in A tour; Kuldeep Yadav likely to return as team eyes spin-heavy combo for Birmingham

Harshit Rana’s short tenure with the Indian Test team is over for now. The 23-year-old pacer has been let go by the team management before the second Test against England at Edgbaston, Birmingham, from July 4.

Rana, who was included as a cover for the first Test in Leeds, did not join the team for the second match. “Harshit Rana has been withdrawn from the team. He hasn’t taken the flight to Birmingham,” a BCCI official confirmed to PTI on condition of anonymity.

The Delhi pacer, who was part of India’s A tour and played two Tests in Australia recently, did not have any effect on the recent unofficial Test match against England Lions at Canterbury, where he conceded 99 runs for just one wicket over 27 overs.

Selection Over Mukesh, Kamboj Raised Eyebrows

Rana’s selection in the full team had already caused controversy, with more experienced local performers such as Mukesh Kumar and Anshul Kamboj left behind. Rana’s hit-the-deck approach to bowling was not suited to the seam-oriented English conditions, and leaving him on the tour cover was baffling to many.

“Harshit Rana, I will speak with the chairman of selectors. He was kept back due to some niggles… all is well,” head coach Gautam Gambhir mentioned following the loss in Leeds. “We’ll take a call after further discussion.”

Kuldeep Yadav Tipped for Return as Surface Dries Up

With the Edgbaston pitch likely to provide more help for spinners, wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav is in the thick of it for the second Test. India entered the Leeds Test with four pacers and no specialist spinner except Jadeja, a strategy that has come under fire.

“Kuldeep must be included. Four pacers will not work. Either Shardul or Prasidh can be accommodated,” said former captain Dilip Vengsarkar, who espoused a spin-first strategy for the parched conditions.

Jadeja In Focus Despite Probable Retention

Ravindra Jadeja is likely to retain his position, but his poor penetration on the last day at Leeds generated whispers. The left-armer was unable to extract enough out of the rough, which might be a cause for concern if India opts for a twin-spin option.

“Kuldeep Yadav needs to return. Sorry, but Shardul Thakur needs to be sent out,” former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar opined on JioStar. “You must go with your best bowlers, even if it alters the balance a bit.”

Nitish Reddy’s Role Also Under Review

Nitish Kumar Reddy’s all-around role in the team is also questioned. He was included in the first Test based on his performances during the Australia tour, but he has not yet found his form or provided the level of impact required at the international level.

“He is an unpopular option because he does not quite seem like a fourth seamer,” Manjrekar observed. “Even in England, you require quality bowlers. If that entails two spinners, so be it.”

Selection Dilemma Looms Ahead of Birmingham Test

With India trailing 0-1 in the five-Test series, the management has a selection dilemma on their hands. Since conditions are likely to favor spin, and issues regarding the roles of players are increasing, the team might be compelled to rethink, prioritizing form and fitness of the surface over balance.

The second Test at Edgbaston can be the turning point in India’s tour, but this will largely depend on how comprehensively they can adjust to the changing conditions and tactical requirements.