Harshit Rana is all set to join the Indian squad for the third Test versus New Zealand in Mumbai according to leading national daily. And that means Harshit will not be available for Delhi’s next Ranji game. The decision has already been conveyed to the Delhi management. NZ have already sealed the Test series with a win in Pune. NZ enjoy a 2-0 lead already and now India will play for pride in the third and final game in Mumbai. It is still not known what is the reason behind his inclusion in the squad at the eleventh hour. The third Test at the iconic Wankhede stadium starts on November 1. Harshit has had a brilliant season and that is why he finds himself in the national squad for the final Test.
Harshit picked up a fifer against Assam in a Ranji Trophy game and that is also being looked at as a major reason behind his selection. During that Ranji game, senior selector Ajay Ratra was also present. Not only did he take a fifer but also hit a crucial fifty in that game at the Arun Jaitley stadium. Rana was with the Indian team for the first two Tests, but was then released. He does not have a lot of first-class experience but the selectors believe in him and that is why they have shown faith in his abilities. Rana has been picked in the Indian squad for the much-awaited Border-Gavaskar Trophy as well.
It should not come as a surprise if the management hands him a Test debut at Wankhede. The hosts would be desperate to avoid an embarrassing whitewash. As per reports, the Wankhede strip will not be a rank-turner.
