Why Was Harshit Rana Not In India's ODI Squad Initially?

Harshit Rana, 3rd IND vs AFG ODI (Source: AFP)Harshit Rana has been added to India’s squad for the third and final ODI against Afghanistan as a last-minute inclusion. The 24-year-old also missed the entire IPL 2026 season with the Kolkata Knight Riders due to a knee injury.The final match of the IND vs AFG ODI series is scheduled to be played in Chennai on Saturday, with India already having sealed the three-match series 2-0 after a dominant 170-run victory in Lucknow.Rana’s last-minute inclusion is being seen as a good sign for the ICT, considering his potential. However, at the same time, it has stirred up confusion about why the BCCI is in such a hurry to include the pacer, who has just recovered from a severe injury.Why wasn't Harshit Rana part of the original squad?The Indian pacer was ruled out of India’s 2026 T20 World Cup squad after suffering a knee injury during a warm-up fixture against South Africa in Navi Mumbai on February 4, 2026.In the BCCI announcement, it was revealed that following consultations with a specialist and subsequent scans, the medical team deemed him unfit to participate in the tournament. He was replaced by Mohammad Siraj in India’s squad. Rana has since then been out of the cricket field recovering.Why did BCCI add Harshit to the IND vs AFG third and final ODI?In an official statement, the BCCI confirmed that Rana has completed his rehabilitation programme at the Centre of Excellence and has now joined the Indian squad in Chennai.Rana’s inclusion offers the team's management an additional pace option as they continue testing combinations ahead of the upcoming assignments.Also read: Gurnoor Brar's IPL Snub - A Blessing In Disguise For Indian Cricket Team"The Men's Selection Committee has added Mr Harshit Rana to the India squad for the third and final IDFC First Bank ODI against Afghanistan. Mr Rana, who has completed his rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (COE), has linked up with the ODI squad in Chennai," the BCCI stated in a release.Rana, a seam-bowling all-rounder, has also been named in India’s plans for the upcoming T20 series in Ireland and England.Thus, it appears that Harshit’s inclusion in the last Afghanistan ODI has been fast-tracked to give the pacer, who has been out of action for 5 months, time to regain momentum in a dead rubber encounter at home before the high-octane overseas tour.When was the last time Harshit Rana played an ODI for India?The pacer last represented India on January 18 this year during the ODI series against New Zealand and has been on the sidelines since then.Throughout the three-match ODI series, Rana played a starring role, notably taking crucial wickets and striking a brilliant 52 off 43 balls in the 3rd ODI.In the 1st ODI at Vadodara, Harshit claimed key wickets (including Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls) and contributed an aggressive 29 off 23 balls with the bat.Moreover, in his last ODI for India since injury - the third match in Indore - Rana scored his maiden ODI half-century (hitting four fours and four sixes). He was equally impressive with the ball; though he leaked runs, he took 3 wickets in his 10 overs.Harshit Rana’s role in Indian cricket teamInterestingly, the selectors did not drop any player to make room for Harshit Rana in the squad. The fast bowler has been added despite impressive performances from Prince Yadav and Gurnoor Brar, who made their international debuts in the ongoing series against Afghanistan and have made a strong case with their outings.Rana’s inclusion offers the Indian team management an additional pace option as they continue testing combinations ahead of the upcoming assignments, especially the 2027 ODI World Cup jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.Also read: Kuldeep Yadav, Rishabh Pant Involved In Massive IPL Team Swap