India Squad Update: Harshit Rana Released Before Second Test Against England

India take on England (AP Photo)

Leeds: Indian fast bowler Harshit Rana has been released from the Test squad prior to the second match of the five-Test series against England.

The young bowler, initially called up as a precautionary measure, was not seen boarding the bus with his teammates to Birmingham. The Indian squad departed from Leeds around 11:30 am local time, with an expected travel time of just over three hours to Birmingham.

The team is scheduled to rest for the next two days before resuming training. They will aim to level the series in the second Test and overcome the disappointment of their defeat at Headingley.

Gautam Gambhir commented on Rana's inclusion after India’s defeat in the first Test: “I haven't spoken to the chairman selector; I will speak to the chairman of selectors because there was a bit of a niggle in the group. That is why we wanted him as a backup. But at the moment, everything looks fine, so if everyone is fine, he would have to fly back.”

India's loss at Headingley, despite a strong batting performance that included 835 runs and five individual centuries, has drawn attention due to its unprecedented nature. This marked the first instance in Test history where a team lost despite achieving five centuries in the match.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant (twice) all scored centuries, but England successfully chased down a target of 371, securing a five-wicket victory on the final day.

Ben Duckett’s aggressive 149 set the foundation for the record chase, complemented by significant contributions from Crawley and Root. The combined total of 1673 runs between the two teams represents the highest ever in a Test match between India and England.

India will face England in the second Test at Edgbaston on July 2.