Harshit Rana’s Surprise India Return! BCCI Adds Speedster for Final Afghanistan ODI Despite Young Pacers Impressing

In a surprising late move, Team India has brought back Harshit Rana into the squad for the third and final ODI against Afghanistan national cricket team, despite impressive performances from young pacers already in the setup.

The decision comes as India prepares for a packed international calendar, including important tours of Ireland and England, along with the upcoming Asian Games 2026.

Rana, who had been ruled out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 earlier this year due to a knee injury, has now completed his rehabilitation and is ready to return to competitive action.

BCCI Confirms Last-Minute Inclusion

The Board of Control for Cricket in India confirmed the development in an official statement, revealing that the Men’s Selection Committee had added Rana to the squad for the final ODI.

The 24-year-old pacer has reportedly completed his recovery at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence and has already linked up with the squad in Chennai, where the final ODI will be played.

The move is being seen as a strategic decision aimed at giving Rana valuable match time before India’s overseas commitments.

Road Back After Injury Setback

Harshit’s return marks an important milestone after a difficult few months.

The pacer missed the entire Indian Premier League for Kolkata Knight Riders because of the knee injury.

His last appearance for India came earlier this year during the ODI series against New Zealand national cricket team, before being forced out of action.

He was also initially selected for India’s T20 World Cup squad but had to withdraw, with Mohammed Siraj taking his place.

Now fully fit, Rana gets a chance to restart his international journey.

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Prince Yadav and Gurnoor Brar Still Impressing

What makes Rana’s inclusion particularly interesting is that selectors have not dropped anyone to make space for him.

Young debutants Prince Yadav and Gurnoor Brar have performed strongly in the ongoing Afghanistan series.

Gurnoor, in particular, has emerged as one of the biggest positives for India, picking up six wickets in two matches and showcasing excellent control with the ball.

Prince also impressed in the second ODI with a tidy spell that earned him two wickets.

Their performances had strengthened India’s pace options, making Rana’s addition a clear sign that the team management wants extra depth ahead of bigger challenges.

India Already Seal the Series

India, led by Shubman Gill, have already secured the three-match series with an unassailable 2-0 lead.

The final ODI now provides an opportunity for experimentation and squad rotation, which could allow Rana to get immediate game time.

With India’s preparations for future tournaments in full swing, this match could prove crucial for the fast bowler’s comeback.

Updated India Squad for Final ODI

India’s squad for the final ODI includes:

Shubman Gill (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer (Vice-Captain), KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Harshit Rana

With the series already in the bag, all eyes will now be on whether Harshit Rana gets a chance to prove he’s ready for the bigger battles ahead.