KKN Gurugram Desk | In a significant update ahead of the highly anticipated India vs England Test Series 2025, young pace sensation Harshit Rana has been officially added to India’s 18-member Test squad. The decision comes just days before the first Test begins on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds.

Rana, who recently impressed while playing for India A, has been retained in England while the rest of the India A squad returns home after completing their series against England Lions. This call-up marks a major milestone in Harshit’s fast-rising cricketing career.

Harshit Rana Gets National Call-Up

Harshit Rana, known for his aggressive pace and bounce, was part of the India A squad that played both an unofficial Test series against the England Lions and an intra-squad warm-up match with the senior team in Beckenham.

While most India A players have now returned, Rana was the only one asked to stay back, highlighting the selectors’ interest in grooming him for the senior team. Sources confirm that his strong performance and ability to adapt to English conditions played a key role in his selection.

“Harshit is a promising young pacer with a lot of potential, especially in seaming conditions like Leeds,” said a source close to the team management.

 India’s Final 18-Member Squad: Updated List

Here’s a look at India’s final squad for the England Test series, post the inclusion of Harshit Rana:

• Shubman Gill (Captain)

• Rishabh Pant (Vice-Captain & Wicketkeeper)

• Yashasvi Jaiswal

• KL Rahul

• Sai Sudharsan

• Abhimanyu Easwaran

• Karun Nair

• Nitish Reddy

• Ravindra Jadeja

• Dhruv Jurel (Wicketkeeper)

• Washington Sundar

• Shardul Thakur

• Jasprit Bumrah

• Mohammed Siraj

• Prasidh Krishna

• Akash Deep

• Harshit Rana

• Arshdeep Singh

• Kuldeep Yadav

 Why Harshit Rana’s Inclusion Matters

The pitches in England, especially Leeds, are traditionally known to favor fast bowlers more than spinners. With the Indian team likely to go with five bowling options, the addition of a fresh and tall pacer like Harshit Rana adds strategic depth to the bowling attack.

Additionally, Jasprit Bumrah’s availability for all five Test matches remains uncertain due to workload management and injury precautions. In such a case, Rana could serve as a valuable backup or even make his debut if required.

“With Bumrah’s full availability in question, Harshit Rana brings that needed bench strength for our pace battery,” noted a senior BCCI official.

 Harshit Rana’s Recent Performance

Rana recently bowled 27 overs in the first unofficial Test for India A against the England Lions and managed to pick up one wicket. While the wickets column didn’t fully reflect his effort, his discipline, speed, and bounce on English surfaces were appreciated by the team management.

Key Stats:

• Matches: 1 (Unofficial Test)

• Overs: 27

• Wickets: 1

• Economy: Consistent with tight lines and lengths

He has also made headlines in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL), showcasing the kind of temperament and raw pace needed at the international level.

 A Gautam Gambhir Favourite

Interestingly, India head coach Gautam Gambhir is believed to be a strong supporter of Harshit Rana’s talent. The two share a strong connection from their time together at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL, where Rana consistently impressed with his firepower in the death overs and his aggression with the ball.

“Gambhir sees Harshit as a long-term asset for Indian cricket, especially in overseas conditions,” an insider revealed.

This backing from the head coach may have played a crucial role in fast-tracking Rana’s entry into the senior squad.

 India vs England 1st Test Preview – Leeds 2025

• Date: Starts June 20, 2025

• Venue: Headingley, Leeds

• Conditions: Favorable to fast bowlers, potential for cloud cover

• Strategy: Likely 5-bowler attack with 3 pacers and 2 all-rounders or spinners

With England expected to go all guns blazing under their aggressive Test format, India’s pace-heavy approach could be key. The addition of Rana gives the team a flexible option, especially if they look to rotate fast bowlers during the grueling five-match series.

 Squad Depth and Fast Bowling Options

India now boasts a formidable pace attack featuring:

• Jasprit Bumrah – Lead pacer, known for yorkers and reverse swing

• Mohammed Siraj – Seam and swing specialist

• Prasidh Krishna – Tall, hit-the-deck bowler

• Akash Deep – Domestic workhorse, known for accuracy

• Arshdeep Singh – Left-arm swing option

• Harshit Rana – Tall, aggressive, raw pace and bounce

With six pacers in the squad, India is clearly preparing for the challenges posed by England’s conditions, especially in the early part of the summer.

?? India’s Road Ahead in Test Cricket

After this series against England, India’s red-ball calendar continues with:

• Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2026 (Away in Australia)

• Home Series vs New Zealand and Sri Lanka

• WTC Final 2027 qualification path

Building a solid pace bench with youngsters like Harshit Rana will be key to India’s success, particularly in overseas series where spin-friendly conditions are absent.

The inclusion of Harshit Rana in the Indian Test squad for England 2025 is not just a personal triumph for the young fast bowler but also a strategic masterstroke by the selectors and team management. With challenging English conditions and a long series ahead, having additional pace options is a necessity, not a luxury.

For fans and cricket analysts alike, this move reflects India’s intent to invest in new talent while maintaining balance and flexibility in team selection.