IND vs ENG: Why Was Harshit Rana Released From India Squad Ahead Of 2nd Test?

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IND vs ENG: Team India have released pacer Harshit Rana from their squad ahead of the second Test match of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series, set to take place at Edgbaston in Birmingham from July 2.

According to several media reports, the youngster has already departed from Leeds and is on his way back to India.

Rana, who was a surprise addition to the Indian Test squad for the series opener at Headingley, was reportedly brought in as cover for a fast bowler dealing with a minor fitness concern. However, with the situation now under control, the team management decided there was no further need to retain the Delhi pacer.

"Actually, one of the pacers in the main Test team had a niggle. If the team think-tank wished to have someone as a back-up bowler who could execute a bouncer-led strategy, it was Rana who fit the bill and thus was held back," a source informed IANS.

"But as things stand, everything is fine now. As a result, Rana has now been released from the squad, and that's why he was not spotted with the team on their travel to Birmingham," the source further explained.

Rana had previously made his Test debut during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia last year, where he picked up four wickets across the series with an average of 50.75. His best figures of 3/48 came in the Perth Test.

During the current England tour, he featured in the first unofficial Test for India 'A' against England Lions at Canterbury, returning with figures of 1 for 99 and contributing 16 runs with the bat.

As the Indian contingent led by Shubman Gill shifted base to Birmingham on Wednesday, the players were granted a rest day on Thursday. Preparations for the second Test are expected to kick off on Friday.

India trail the five-match series 0-1 after a dramatic defeat in Leeds, where England chased down 371 on the final day. Despite individual brilliance-including five centuries and a five-wicket haul-India will need a collective resurgence in Birmingham to level the series. The ongoing tour also marks the beginning of India's campaign in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.