IND vs NZ: Harshit Rana joins India squad ahead of Mumbai Test - Will he make his Debut?

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India, after their series loss against New Zealand, will be hoping for at least a consolation victory in the final Test in Pune.

The 3rd match of the three-match Test series starts from November 1 and India will be hoping to step up and perform as they are expected after two consecutive losses on home soil, which inflicted their first series loss at home in almost 12 years.

As the Indian team eyes a comeback in the West Coast, young pacer Harshit Rana has been reinstated in the squad. The India pacer has joined the team for the final match in Mumbai, after an outstanding performance for Delhi in the most recent Ranji Trophy encounter against Assam. The 22-year-old has been included in the main squad for the five Tests in Australia starting November 22 in Perth.

A source from the Board of Control for Cricket in India confirmed, "Harshit will join the team tomorrow." With careful monitoring of pacers' workloads ahead of the Australia tour, there is a chance that Jasprit Bumrah might rest for the third Test, potentially paving the way for Rana's debut.

Rana showcased his skills against Assam by taking five wickets in the first innings and two more in the second. His performance helped Delhi secure a victory by ten wickets. Sarandeep Singh, Delhi's head coach, expressed confidence in Rana's readiness for Test cricket.

"He is ready to play Test cricket. He is a positive guy; he knows what he is doing. He is ready for the highest level." Singh said.

IND vs NZ: Will Harshit Rana make India debut in Mumbai Test?

Harshit Rana will be in contention to make it to the playing eleven of the Indian team in Mumbai. The Wankhede pitch is traditionally a spin-friendly deck, which may thwart the Indian team from selecting an extra pacer, but the Indian team may contemplate picking Harshit as they have already squandered the series. In that case, the Delhi pacer may come in to replace Mohammed Siraj, who hasn't had the best of outings in recent times.