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Harshit Rana Officially Added to India Squad for Headingley Test Against England
India Bolsters Pace Unit with Harshit Rana Ahead of Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Opener
In a strategic move ahead of the much-anticipated opening Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officially announced on Tuesday (June 17) that fast bowler Harshit Rana has been added to the Indian squad for the first Test against England in Headingley, Leeds. Rana had already been asked to stay back in the UK and has now formally joined the senior squad.
Harshit Rana’s Role as Injury Cover Confirmed
Although Rana’s inclusion was expected, the official confirmation highlights the growing concerns over minor niggles within the Indian camp. While the BCCI has not named the players dealing with fitness issues, Cricbuzz earlier reported that Rana remained with the squad in England as a precautionary backup. The 23-year-old pacer, who has played in two Tests, five ODIs, and one T20I, traveled with the team from London to Leeds on Tuesday morning.
Rana’s presence strengthens India’s already pace-heavy bowling arsenal, which includes experienced names like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, along with rising stars such as Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, and Akash Deep. In addition, the squad features pace-bowling all-rounders Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shardul Thakur.
Related: Complete India Squad for England Test Series 2025
Recent Performances and India A Stint
Before his elevation to the main squad, Harshit Rana was part of the India A setup, where he featured in two matches against England Lions. He also participated in an intra-squad match held at Beckenham, where selectors closely evaluated his form and fitness. While other India A players are reportedly returning home, Rana’s consistent performance and fitness prompted the management to retain him.
Gambhir Set to Rejoin Indian Team
India head coach Gautam Gambhir is also expected to rejoin the squad soon. Gambhir had flown back to New Delhi due to a family emergency but boarded a flight to London on Tuesday morning. Although he hadn’t linked up with the team at the time of the announcement, he is likely to be with the squad well before the series opener in Leeds.
Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy to Begin at Headingley
The upcoming five-match Test series, now named the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, is one of the most anticipated contests of the year. The first Test begins on Friday, June 20 at Headingley, Leeds. The rest of the series will continue at:
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Edgbaston (July 2)
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Lord’s (July 10)
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Old Trafford, Manchester (July 23)
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The Oval (July 31)
This series will be closely watched as it marks a new era in India-England Test rivalry under a legacy trophy title that honors the two cricketing giants—James Anderson and Sachin Tendulkar.
Read full England vs India series schedule on ESPNcricinfo
