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On Wednesday, October 30, Team India Assistant Coach Abhishek Nayar shut speculations of Delhi pacer Harshit Rana making his Test debut in the third and final Test against New Zealand. However, earlier there were reports of the Delhi pacer being added to the squad for the third Test, which is set to be played from November 1 to 5 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
With the comments coming from the assistant coach, it is to be seen that Harshit Rana will have to wait at least until the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) to make his Test debut for India.
Abhishek Nayar clears air on Harshit Rana's debut; says “no additions to the squad”
Speaking just days away from the Mumbai Test, Team India Assistant Coach Abhishek Nayar indirectly confirmed that there will be no debut as there hasn’t been any addition to the squad. He also added that every day in the upcoming Test will be crucial for the hosts, heading into the World Test Championship Final. "No additions to the squad. Every week is critical, every day is critical. We have not been narrow-minded in thinking about WTC final. We want to focus on this match,” said Nayar.
As far as it is concerned, Rana joined the Indian camp as a net bowler after impressing with a five-wicket haul and a half-century for Delhi in the third round match of Ranji Trophy 2024-25 against Assam.
It is to be noted that Harshit Rana has had an impressive 2024 season so far. While he started with a fabulous performance in Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) title win, picking up 19 wickets in 13 matches in IPL. The 22-year-old pacer then received a maiden call-up for the Sri Lanka tour, however did not make his T20I debut. Although he has been in India’s scheme of things, getting named in the 18-member squad for the highly-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
India’s squad for third Test against New Zealand
Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Washington Sundar
