Sat Nov 02 03:43:20 UTC 2024: ## Delhi Pacer Harshit Rana Called Up for India’s Third Test Against New Zealand

**Mumbai:** Young Delhi speedster Harshit Rana has been called up to the Indian squad for the third and final Test against New Zealand, starting on Friday at the Wankhede Stadium. Rana’s inclusion comes as a surprise, with the three-match series already lost by India following defeats in Bengaluru and Pune.

While the 22-year-old pacer is unlikely to feature in the playing XI, he has been included as a potential replacement for Jasprit Bumrah, who could be rested. Rana’s impressive form in the Ranji Trophy, where he took a five-wicket haul and scored a half-century in Delhi’s victory over Assam, earned him the call-up.

“The team management wanted me to play domestically before heading to Australia, and I’m glad I performed well in this match with both bat and ball,” said Rana.

Delhi’s coach, former national selector Sarandeep Singh, is hopeful Rana will get a chance to make his Test debut: “If India wants him to play, I would love to see it. If he plays a Test before going to Australia, it’s better for both Harshit and India to have a strong fast bowler.”

Rana’s inclusion adds depth to India’s pace bowling attack, which will be led by Bumrah. He will also be part of the squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, starting on November 22.

**India’s Squad for the Third Test:** 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, Mohd. Siraj, Akash Deep, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana.

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