India's Squad Update: Harshit Rana Released Before Second Test Against England in Birmingham

Indian Pacer Released Ahead of Second Test Against England

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 with the rest of the team as they departed for Birmingham.

The Indian squad left Leeds by bus around 11:30 am local time, with an expected journey time of just over three hours to Birmingham. The team is scheduled to rest for two days before resuming training, as they focus on leveling the series after their defeat at Headingley.

Following India’s loss in the first Test, Gautam Gambhir commented on Rana's inclusion: “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 was notable considering their strong batting performance, amassing 835 runs and recording five individual centuries. It was the first instance in Test history where a team lost despite achieving five centuries in a single match.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant (twice) all scored centuries, but England managed a remarkable chase of 371, securing a five-wicket victory on the final day. Ben Duckett's aggressive 149 laid the foundation for the successful chase, complemented by significant contributions from Crawley and Root. The total of 1673 runs scored by both teams is the highest ever recorded in a Test match between India and England.

India is set to face England in the second Test at Edgbaston on July 2.