Pacer Harshit Rana is reportedly being asked to remain in the United Kingdom and could be included in India’s senior squad for the upcoming five-match Test series against England, starting June 20. Rana, who earned his Test cap during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, has been with the India A side currently touring England.
unlike his fellow India A teammates returning home on June 17, Rana is likely to stay back in the UK. However, he only featured in the first unofficial Test against the England Lions, where he managed to take just one wicket — that of Josh Hull.
Intra-squad match highlights:
While India’s senior team took part in an intra-squad match in Beckenham, they are scheduled to move to London on June 17 for the opening Test at Headingley, with training commencing the next day.
Batting standouts Sarfaraz Khan and Shardul Thakur lit up the intra-squad match. Sarfaraz followed up his 90-plus score against the England Lions with a blazing 76-ball century, while Shardul remained unbeaten on 122 as the match wrapped up in just two and a half days.
Additionally, Shubman Gill and KL Rahul scored fifties on Day 1. Among bowlers, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna picked up wickets, while Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh went wicketless.
Gautam Gambhir’s status:
There is still no confirmation on when head coach Gautam Gambhir will rejoin the squad. He flew back to India urgently last week after his mother suffered a heart attack. Although there are hopes he may return before the first Test, his comeback will depend on her recovery. She remains in the ICU at a hospital in New Delhi.