Delhi pacer, Harshit Rana has been called up by the Indian team for the third Test match of the series against New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Rana was part of the reserves ahead of the start of the home series but was released to play the third round Ranji Trophy 2024-25 game against Assam. As per reports, Rana is likely to get his Test debut in Mumbai in the third Test match.
Rana made an impactful performance with both the bat and ball in the Ranji Trophy match against Assam which Delhi won by 10 wickets at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
The Delhi pacer picked up a five wicket haul and also a half century in the match. Rana is one of the players who is in the travelling main squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia. He is a fast bowling all-rounder and will be handy on the pitches Down Under.
“He is ready to play Test cricket. It would be good for him if he plays the Mumbai Test before going to Australia,” former national selector and current Delhi coach Sarandeep Singh told The Indian Express.
“The team management wanted me to play domestic before going to Australia and I am glad that I did well in this match both with bat and ball,” Rana said after the match on Tuesday.
Harshit Rana is also part of the squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25
Harshit Rana set to make debut in third Test vs NZ (Image Credits: X)
Rana was also part of the Indian squad for the three match T20I series against Bangladesh but did not earn his debut cap.
Meanwhile, reports say that India might rest Jasprit Bumrah for the final Test against the Kiwis ahead of the tour of Australia and Rana could be the part of the lineup in his place. Reports also say that Rana is set to be retained by KKR ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction.
India have already lost the series by a margin of 2-0 going into the final Test. They have suffered their first loss in a Test series at home since 2012. This marks the end of a proud home dominance record for the team.
