![Harshit Rana added to India squad for AFG ODIs [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1781841994753_harshitRanaforIndia.jpg?type=hq)
Harshit Rana added to India squad for AFG ODIs [Source: AFP]
Harshit Rana, the star KKR player and the promising India fast bowling star, has been added to India’s ODI squad for the third and final ODI against Afghanistan. Rana, who has been out of the cricket scene since the T20 World Cup 2026, will make a comeback in the national jersey after almost four months.
The BCCI released an official statement for the inclusion of Harshit Rana, who has completed his rehabilitation and will join the Men in Blue in Chennai for the final fixture against the visitors.
Harshit Rana Joins India Squad After Long Injury Break
Rana is set to join India after he was evidently ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2026 with an injury he sustained while bowling in a warm-up match against South Africa in Navi Mumbai on February 4.
Rana was recovering from a lateral meniscus tear and ligament strain in his right knee, which required surgery in Mumbai and as per the official press issue from BCCI, he has now recovered well.
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That freak injury ruled Rana out of the entire IPL 2026 and the World Cup, keeping him out of action from cricket for several months.
The BCCI Centre of Excellence issued a clear report on Rana’s fitness, and the pace-bowling star is now all set to feature in India's Playing XI in a series the hosts have already won 2-0.
How Likely Is It For Harshit To Join India’s Playing XI?
Harshit may have been added to India’s squad for the third and final ODI; however, the question of his addition in the Playing XI still remains. In Harshit's absence, names like Gurnoor Brar and Prince Yadav have impressed with their form.
Brar specifically has been the leading wicket-taker for India in the IND vs AFG ODI series, picking 6 wickets while bowling at an economy rate of 5.86. Amid the settled pace trio of Arshdeep Singh, Gurnoor, and Prince Yadav, will Rana make the Playing XI?
Yes, it is very much likely that Rana will find a place in the Playing XI because Gautam Gambhir and Co. would like to see how he has progressed from his injury; otherwise, he wouldn’t have been added for the Final ODI.
With India already sealing the series 2-0, the less risky final ODI at Chennai would very likely see Rana with the ball on the field, potentially replacing Prince Yadav.
Updated squad for the third ODI against Afghanistan: Shubman Gill (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer (vice-captain), KL Rahul (wicket-keeper), Ishan Kishan (wicket-keeper), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Harshit Rana
Rana Not Out of World Cup 2027 Plans!
Rana has played 14 ODI matches in his career so far and has successfully picked 26 wickets with an economy rate of 6.21. His track record in India is specifically impressive, where he managed to gather 16 scalps from 9 matches while striking at 29.4.
A lethal option in home conditions, Harshit Rana can be a useful addition to the India squad, and it also hints at the fact that the team management has not completely overlooked the emerging star from 2027 ODI World Cup plans.
His late inclusion immediately after recovery hints at his prospects for the prestigious ICC tournament. For the unaware, he played in the Champions Trophy in 2025 and took 4 wickets across the two matches he played.
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