Who is Harshit Rana, the bowler likely to play in the third test against New Zealand?

Rookie pacer Harshit Rana is set to join the Indian squad ahead of the third Test against New Zealand in Mumbai, following a standout performance in Delhi's recent Ranji Trophy win. Rana, already among the reserves, was released to play in Delhi’s match against Assam before the second Test in Pune, which India lost by 113 runs, resulting in a 0-2 series deficit.

Rana will join the Indian team in Mumbai on Wednesday, just two days before the third Test at the Wankhede Stadium. However, it’s uncertain if he will be playing in the main lineup or as a reserve.

The 22-year-old has also been named in the main squad for the upcoming five-Test series in Australia, which starts on November 22 in Perth.

Harshit Rana Profile

Harshit Rana is a right-arm fast bowler representing Delhi in domestic cricket and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Part of the KKR team that claimed the 2024 IPL trophy, Rana emerged as KKR’s joint-second-highest wicket-taker and ranked fourth overall in the tournament with 19 wickets across various innings phases, boasting an impressive death-overs economy rate of 9.85 in a high-scoring season.

In Delhi's recent Ranji Trophy match against Assam, Rana took a five-wicket haul in the first innings and followed up with two more wickets in the second, helping Delhi secure a 10-wicket victory. He bowled 19.3 overs for his five-wicket haul and an additional 11 overs in the second innings. His crucial 59-run knock in the first innings also contributed to Delhi’s lead.

Rana further demonstrated his skill in the Duleep Trophy last month, where he made a strong impact across two games.

Overall, Rana has played 25 T20 IPL matches, claiming 25 wickets.