India vs England: Why is Harshit Rana picked over Anshul Kamboj as Backup? Is Gautam Gambhir behind the Decision?

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Harshit Rana remains with the Indian Test squad in England, though he is yet to be formally inducted into the official touring party. A senior Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) official confirmed to Cricbuzz that Rana is merely serving as a backup option due to minor fitness concerns surrounding certain members of the pace attack.

The current squad boasts a strong core of specialist pacers - Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and Arshdeep Singh - along with seam-bowling all-rounders Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shardul Thakur.

Rana, who has played two Tests, five ODIs, and one T20I, was part of the India A side that recently played against the England Lions and also featured in an intra-squad game in Beckenham. Meanwhile, other India A players have reportedly returned home.

In related developments, newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir has flown to England to join the team setup, after briefly coming back to India after his mother's hospitalization.

IND vs ENG: Why Harshit Rana Over Anshul Kamboj?

Harshit Rana's retention has sparked debate, especially considering the performances of fellow India A quick Anshul Kamboj. Anshul picked up five wickets across two matches, while Harshit managed just a solitary scalp in his lone outing. Statistically, Anshul had a stronger case for consideration, yet Rana was the one retained.

Rana and Kamboj both were part of the India A squad which played against the England Lions. The former ended up with one wicket in a match, while Kamboj was the highest wicket taker with 5 scalps in two matches. Even in Ranji Trophy last season, Kamboj managed 35 wickets to his name while Rana claimed 7, although he just played one match in the entire campaign.

Rana's previous international experience, limited though it may be, appears to have tipped the balance in his favour.

Gambhir's Influence Already Evident? Concerns Over Potential Bias in Selections

With Gambhir now officially in charge of the Indian team, murmurs have already begun regarding the potential influence of personal preferences in selection. While Rana's retention could be justified on several fronts, the optics, especially when players like Anshul are overlooked despite superior form, raise questions.

Gambhir's no-nonsense persona and reputation as a straight shooter might shield him for now, but Harshit Rana's inclusion remains a vague call, to say the least. There have been players who have done far better than Rana, but somehow, the Delhi pacer manages to keep his name in the side yet again.