IND vs NZ 2024: Harshit Rana to join squad for third Test in Mumbai, set to make debut

Delhi's young all-rounder Harshit Rana has been called up to join the Indian Test squad for the upcoming third Test against New Zealand in Mumbai, with strong indications pointing to his Test debut on Friday. Initially named as the travelling reserve for the series opener in Bengaluru, Rana was released to participate in Delhi's Ranji Trophy campaign, where he made an immediate impact.

In the recently concluded Ranji Trophy third-round match against Assam at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Rana picked a five-wicket haul in the first innings, followed by a crucial half-century and two additional wickets in the second innings, helping in Delhi's comprehensive 10-wicket victory. As a result, the former national selector and current Delhi coach Sarandeep Singh showed his confidence in Rana's readiness for red-ball cricket.

“He is ready to play Test cricket. It would be good for him if he plays the Mumbai Test before going to Australia,” former national selector and current Delhi coach Sarandeep Singh told The Indian Express.

I am glad that I did well in this match both with bat and ball: Harshit Rana

After a year's absence from red-ball cricket, he made a strong comeback in the Duleep Trophy last month, claiming eight wickets in two matches. He was also recently picked in India's T20I squad against Bangladesh, although he didn't get a chance to make his debut in the 3-0 series victory.

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Furthermore, Rana has already been named in the 18-member squad for the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia, where he will be part of a six-man pace attack led by Jasprit Bumrah. Speaking after his impressive Ranji Trophy performance, Rana acknowledged the team management's thinking.

“The team management wanted me to play domestic before going to Australia and I am glad that I did well in this match both with bat and ball,” Rana said after the match on Tuesday.