Promising KKR fast bowler Harshit Rana has been included in India’s squad for the third Test against New Zealand, starting on November 1 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Initially named as a roving reserve for the Bengaluru Test, Rana was later released to take part in Delhi’s Ranji Trophy match against Assam. According to Indian Express, he is expected to make his Test debut in the third Test at Wankhede.

“He is ready to play Test cricket. It would be good for him to play the Mumbai Test before going to Australia,” former national selector and current Delhi coach Sarandeep Singh told The Indian Express.

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Rana’s performance against Assam was notable as he contributed with both bat and ball. He smashed a half-century and took five wickets, helping Delhi to a 10-wicket win with a bonus point at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Last month, he returned to red-ball cricket in the Duleep Trophy after a year’s break, where he claimed eight wickets in two matches.

“The team management wanted me to play at home before going to Australia and I am glad I did well in this match with both bat and ball,” Rana said after Tuesday’s match.

Harshit Rana’s strong performances earn him a place in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad

Just a day before India’s Test series loss to New Zealand in Pune, Harshit Rana was included in the 18-member squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. He will join India’s pace attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah, next month.

Although he earned a place in India’s T20I squad for the Bangladesh series earlier this month, he did not get a chance to make his debut as India comfortably won the series 3-0. Despite missing out, his consistent performances have kept him on the selectors’ radar.

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