Harshit Rana Released: India Adjusts Squad Ahead of Second Test Showdown with England in Birmingham

India take on England (AP Photo)

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 bowler, initially called up as a precautionary measure, was not seen boarding the team bus to Birmingham alongside his teammates. The Indian squad departed from Leeds at approximately 11:30 am local time and is anticipated to arrive in Birmingham in just over three hours.

The team is scheduled to rest for two days before resuming training in preparation for the second Test. Their aim is to level the series and overcome the disappointment of the Headingley defeat.

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

India's defeat at Headingley, despite accumulating 835 runs and achieving five individual centuries, has drawn significant attention due to its unprecedented nature. It marked the first instance in Test history where a team lost despite having five centurions in the match.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant (twice) all scored centuries, but England executed a remarkable chase of 371, securing a five-wicket victory on the final day.

Ben Duckett’s aggressive 149 set the stage for the record-breaking chase, with substantial 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 is set to face England in the second Test at Edgbaston on July 2.