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Harshit Rana and Akashdeep Ruled out of India tours - (Source: AFP)
In a significant development, India have dealt a heavy blow as Harshit Rana and another star seamer have been ruled out of the upcoming series against Afghanistan and UK. Notably, Harshit, who suffered a knee injury before the T20 World Cup 2026, will not be able to recover in time for the upcoming tours.
For the unversed, following the conclusion of IPL, India will host Afghanistan for 3 ODIs. Also, the Men in Blue will then travel to the UK for two T20Is vs Ireland and a white-ball series against England.
Harshit Rana, Akash Deep Ruled Out Of UK Tour
A report from PTI confirmed the news and stated that Akash Deep is another India seamer who will miss the upcoming tours. Notably, Akash Deep is currently rehabilitating from a back injury. Meanwhile, Harshit Rana recently underwent knee surgery and will take more time than he thought to recover.
For the unversed, both players were part of KKR for IPL 2026, but missed the ongoing season due to their respective injuries.
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BCCI Reacts To Injury Setbacks For Harshit Rana, Akash Deep
Notably, a BCCI source, speaking to PTI, stating that the players are yet to undergo CoE mandated tests, before which they get a green light from the board to play. Therefore, it is a long time left for that and there is no chance that the duo return in time.
"Akash and Harshit's rehabilitation is on track, but there is still a long way to go before they can be released to play matches. If we are talking about Afghanistan and the UK tour, there is no chance of both of them getting fit before that. They are still doing strengthening routines. After that, there will be jogging, strides, sprints and then skills associated with 'Return To Play' (RTP) protocols," a BCCI source tracking the development told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
India Likely To Name Fresh Faces For Afghanistan And UK Series
After IPL, India will first host Afghanistan in June, before leaving for Ireland and England in the same month itself. However, there is a rumour going around that the board might name young and fresh faces for the Afghanistan and UK series.
The likes of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and the players who have done well in the IPL might be rewarded. Therefore, at first place, it seemed unlikely that Harshit Rana and Akash Deep would have been picked.
However, the board might panic more for Harshit than Akash Deep because they now have ODI World Cup next year in South Africa and want their star bowler to be in pink of his health and create an impact. Akash Deep, on the other hand, would be missed in red-ball cricket.
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