Young India pacer Harshit Rana has been released from the Test squad following India’s defeat to England in the 1st Test at Headingley, Leeds. Rana did not accompany the rest of the squad as they travelled to Birmingham on Wednesday for the second Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
Squad Change Confirmed After Gambhir’s Hint
Rana was added to the squad just days before the Leeds Test as a backup pacer, staying on after his India A stint against the England Lions. But after India’s bowling group emerged injury-free, head coach Gautam Gambhir had hinted at Rana’s likely release:
“There was a niggle in the group. That’s why we wanted him as backup. But at the moment, everything looks fine. So, if everyone is fit, he would have to fly back,” Gambhir had said.
India’s Pace Attack Under Pressure
While Jasprit Bumrah impressed with a five-wicket haul, the rest of India’s seam attack—Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, and Shardul Thakur—struggled for consistency as England chased down 371 to take a 1-0 series lead.
Gambhir: ‘Building a Pace Pool Takes Time’
Despite the disappointment, Gambhir urged patience:
“We had a previous pace attack with four bowlers having over 40 Tests. That experience matters, especially in SENA conditions. These are early days for this new group. If we judge them after one Test, how do we build for the future?”
He reiterated the importance of grooming young talent like Rana over time:
“Aside from Bumrah and Siraj, many of these bowlers are still raw. But they’ve earned their spot — now it’s about backing them across series, not just one game.”
What’s Next?
India will now regroup in Birmingham ahead of the 2nd Test, with the focus on tightening their bowling strategy and providing better support to Bumrah. Rana’s departure confirms that, for now, the team believes in its existing core.
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