Harshit Rana Released from India Squad Ahead of Second England Test Amid Series Pressure

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

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 speedster, initially called up as a precautionary measure, was not seen boarding the bus to Birmingham with his teammates. The Indian squad departed from Leeds around 11:30 am local time, en route to Birmingham.

The team is scheduled to rest for two days before resuming training in preparation for the second Test. They aim to level the series after the Headingley disappointment.

Following India’s defeat in the first Test, Gautam Gambhir commented on Rana: "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 defeat at Headingley, despite a high-scoring match with 835 runs and five centuries, was a historic anomaly. It marked the first time in Test history a team lost despite five individual centuries.

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

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

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