India's Squad Trimmed: Pacer Harshit Rana Released Ahead of Second England Test Amid Series Pressure

India take on England (AP Photo)

Leeds: Indian fast bowler Harshit Rana has been released from the Test squad before the second match of the five-Test series against England. The young bowler, initially called up as a precautionary measure, was not seen boarding the bus to Birmingham with his teammates.

The Indian squad departed from Leeds at approximately 11:30 am local time, with an estimated travel time of just over three hours to Birmingham. The team is scheduled to rest for two days before resuming training in preparation for the second Test. They aim to level the series after the disappointment at Headingley.

Following India’s defeat 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.”

However, Gambhir 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. Despite scoring 835 runs and recording five individual centuries, it was the first time in Test history that a team lost despite such batting performance.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant (twice) all achieved centuries, but England successfully chased down a target of 371, securing a five-wicket victory on the final day. Ben Duckett’s aggressive 149 provided the foundation for the chase, with support 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 will face England in the second Test at Edgbaston on July 2.