Harshit Rana Released from India's Test Squad Ahead of Second England Clash

India's Harshit Rana Released from Test Squad Ahead of Birmingham Clash

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

Rana, initially called up as a precautionary measure, was not seen with the team as they departed for Birmingham.

The Indian squad left Leeds around 11:30 am local time, traveling by bus to Birmingham, a journey expected to take just over three hours. The team plans to rest for two days before resuming training, focusing on leveling the series after their defeat at Headingley.

Gautam Gambhir commented on Rana's inclusion after the first Test loss: "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." He added, "But at the moment, everything looks fine, so if everyone is fine, he would have to fly back.”

India's defeat at Headingley was notable, despite the team scoring 835 runs and recording five individual centuries. It marked the first instance in Test history where a team lost despite achieving this feat.

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

Ben Duckett's aggressive 149 laid the foundation for the chase, with significant contributions from Crawley and Root. The combined 1673 runs scored by both teams is the highest ever in a Test match between India and England.

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