Team India's head coach Gautam Gambhir has dismissed recent reports suggesting that Harshit Rana would join the squad for the final Test against New Zealand. He clarified that the young pacer has been included as a net bowler to aid the team's preparations for the upcoming tour of Australia.
Gautam Gambhir rubbishes reports of Harshit Rana joining India's squad for 3rd Test vs NZ
Harshit Rana has been the subject of much speculation in recent days. Some reports even claimed that he might join India's squad for the third and final Test against New Zealand in Mumbai. Further fueling speculation, reports emerged that Harshit Rana was poised to make his India debut at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, the venue for the final Test. This speculation was intensified when he was spotted with the Indian team on the eve of the third Test.
Rana was seen bowling to Shubman Gill in the nets, leading many to believe that he had been included in the playing XI for the final Test against New Zealand. While he initially joined the team as a traveling reserve, the recent developments have sparked excitement about his potential debut.
Amidst swirling rumors about Harshit Rana's inclusion in the Indian team, head coach Gautam Gambhir has dismissed the speculation. He clarified that the fast bowler has been called up to train with the team in preparation for the upcoming tour of Australia, which commences on November 22nd.
Assistant coach Abhishek Nayar had also previously confirmed that no new additions had been made to the team. Speaking to reporters ahead of the final Test against New Zealand, Gambhir reiterated this point.
"I don't know where this has come from. Harshit Rana is here to train with the squad ahead of the tour to Australia. Abhishek made it very clear yesterday that no one has been added to the squad," Gambhir said in the pre-match press conference ahead of third Test against New Zealand
Rana has been selected to represent India in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The talented fast bowler has consistently impressed with his performances in recent months, earning him a place in the Indian squad across all three formats.
Rana's recent exploits in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 against Assam further solidified his position. He claimed a five-wicket haul and scored a half-century batting at number eight. With a remarkable record of 36 wickets at an average of 24.75 in nine First-Class matches, Rana's potential to make his international debut is undeniable.
India’s squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy:
Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Mohd. Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar.
Reserves: Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, Khaleel Ahmed
