Harshit Rana joins the Indian squad ahead of the third ODI vs Afghanistan in Chennai

ByTech Word 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 for Saturday in Chennai, with India already sealing the three-match series 2-0 after a dominant 170-run victory in Lucknow. Rana’s inclusion offers the team leadership another tempo option as they continue to test combinations ahead of upcoming assignments.

BCCI confirms Rana’s return after rehabilitation

In an official statement, the BCCI confirmed that Rana has completed his rehabilitation program at the Center of Excellence and has now joined the Indian squad in Chennai. “The Men’s Selection Committee has added Mr. Harshit Rana to the Indian squad for the third and final ODI against Afghanistan. Mr. Rana, who has completed his rehabilitation at the BCCI Center of Excellence (COE), has joined the ODI squad in Chennai,” the committee said.Rana, an 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 selectors’ long-term plan.

An opportunity to rebuild the international rhythm

Rana is making a comeback after missing the T20 World Cup due to knee surgery. As reported by TOI earlier, the team management is expected to use the Chennai ODI as an opportunity to help him return to the international set-up.With India already leading the series 2-0, the final ODI could see experimentation in team combinations, especially with regard to building depth in the all-round fast-bowling department.The selectors did not name a replacement for injured all-rounder Hardik Pandya.

India are looking for more squad depth ahead of a busy season

The management is keen on grooming young all-rounders for the bowlers to strengthen the long-term bench strength. Rana’s presence alongside Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna and Kuldeep Yadav gives India some bowling combinations to explore in the dead rubber in Chennai.With confidence high after the back-to-back wins, India will be looking to finish the series on a high while incorporating returning players like Rana into match fitness ahead of a busy international calendar.

What should India focus on in the final ODI against Afghanistan?

Updated squad for third ODI against Afghanistan:

  • Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer (vice-captain), KL Rahul (goalkeeper), Ishan Kishan (goalkeeper), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav, Gurnoor, Yawal Jawal, Jawal, Jawal, Jawal, Brar, Ran.