NEW DELHI: Fast bowler Harshit Rana was added to India’s squad on Friday, ahead of the third and final ODI against Afghanistan.The match is scheduled to be played in Chennai on Saturday, with India having already sealed the three-match series 2-0 after a dominant 170-run win in Lucknow. Early inclusion offers team management an additional pacing option as they continue to test combinations ahead of upcoming assignments.
BCCI confirms Rana’s return after rehabilitation
In an official statement, the BCCI confirmed that Rana has completed his rehabilitation program at the Center of Excellence and has now joined the Indian team in Chennai.“The men’s selection committee has added Mr. Harshit Rana to the Indian squad for the third and final ODI against Afghanistan. Mr. Rana, who has completed his rehabilitation at the BCCI Center of Excellence (COE), has linked up with the ODI squad in Chennai,” the board said.Rana, a superb all-rounder, has also been named in India’s plans for the upcoming T20I series in Ireland and England, indicating that he remains firmly in the coach’s long-term scheme of things.
An opportunity to renew the international rhythm
Rana’s comeback comes after he missed the T20 World Cup due to knee surgery. As reported by TOI earlierthe team management is expected to use the Chennai ODI as an opportunity to facilitate his return to the international set-up.With India already leading the series 2-0, the final ODI could see experimentation in team combinations, especially with a look at the depth of building in the fast-bowling all-rounder department.The selectors did not name a replacement for the injured all-rounder Hardik Pandya.
India eyes a bigger squad ahead of a busy season
Management is interested in grooming young versatile players to bolster long-term strength on the bench. Rana’s presence alongside Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna and Kuldeep Yadav gives India more bowling combinations to explore in the dead rubber in Chennai.With confidence high after back-to-back wins, India will look to finish the series on a strong note and will also integrate returning players like Rana into match fitness ahead of a packed international calendar.Updated Squad for 3rd ODI vs Afghanistan:
- Shubman Gill (captain),
Rohit Sharma Shreyas Iyer (vice-captain), KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Harshit Rana
