India vs Afghanistan: Harshit Rana joins India’s squad ahead of the third ODI against Afghanistan in Chennai | Cricket news
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 already clinching the three-match series 2-0 after a dominant 170-run win in Lucknow. The inclusion of Rana provides team management with an additional option for speed as they continue to test combos before upcoming missions.
Bank of Credit and Commerce International Confirms Rana’s return after rehabilitation
The BCCI confirmed in an official statement that Rana has completed the rehabilitation program at the Center of Excellence and has now joined the Indian national team in Chennai.“The Men’s Selection Committee has added Harshit Rana to India’s squad for the third and final ODI against Afghanistan. Mr Rana, who completed his rehabilitation at BCCI’s Center of Excellence (COE), has been linked with the ODI team in Chennai, the board said.Rana, a bowling all-rounder, has also been named in India’s plans for the upcoming T20I series in Ireland and England, suggesting he remains firmly in the long-term scheme of things for the selectors.
An opportunity to rebuild the international rhythm
Rana’s return comes after he missed the T20 World Cup due to knee surgery. As TOI reported earlierthe team management is expected to use the Chennai ODI match as an opportunity to bring it back to the international set-up.With India already leading the series 2-0, the final ODI could see an experiment in team combinations, especially with the focus on building depth in the all-round fast bowling department.The selectors have not named a replacement for the injured all-rounder Hardik Pandya.
India are looking for more squad depth ahead of a busy season
The management is keen to groom the young bowlers in all aspects to enhance their bench strength in the long run. Rana’s presence alongside Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna and Kuldeep Yadav gives India multiple 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 while incorporating returning players like Rana into their match build-up ahead of a busy international calendar.Updated squad for the 3rd ODI against Afghanistan:
- Shubman Gill (Captain),
Rohit Sharma Shreyas Iyer (vice-captain), KL Rahul (wicket-keeper), Ishan Kishan (wicket-keeper), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey, Yashavi Jaiswal, Harshit Rana.
