Harshit Rana Returns to India Squad for Final ODI vs Afghanistan

After successfully completing his rehabilitation from a knee injury, pacer Harshit Rana has been included in India’s squad for the third and final ODI against Afghanistan, the BCCI confirmed on June 19.

The pacer has returned to the national team ahead of Saturday’s match after straining ligaments in his right knee during India’s T20 World Cup warm-up match against South Africa. Rana later underwent surgery in February and has now been cleared to return.

India will enter the final ODI having already secured the series, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match competition.

Rana Joins Squad After Completing Rehabilitation

The BCCI announced that Rana has successfully completed his rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence and has now joined the Indian team in Chennai.

“The Men’s Selection Committee has included Shri Harshit Rana in the Indian team for the third and final ODI against Afghanistan. After successfully completing his rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (COE), Shri Rana has now joined the ODI team in Chennai,” the BCCI said.

Apart from being a seam-bowling all-rounder, Rana is also part of India’s plans for the upcoming T20I series in Ireland and England, indicating that the selectors see him as an important option for the future.

Possible Return to Action in Chennai

Rana is back after missing the T20 World Cup following knee surgery. Earlier reports by TOI suggested that the team management could use the Chennai ODI to help him get back into the international setup.

With the series already secured 2-0, India may opt to try out some different combinations in the final ODI, especially as they look to add more options in the role of fast-bowling all-rounder. No replacement for injured all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been announced by the selectors.

Also Read: Shreyanka Patil Ruled Out of T20 World Cup 2026 Due to Injury

India Continue to Test Bench Strength

The team management is keen to develop young seam-bowling all-rounders and build a strong team for the future. Rana’s inclusion alongside Arshdeep Singh, Prasad Krishna and Kuldeep Yadav gives India several bowling combinations to consider in the final match in Chennai.

After record wins in the first two matches, India will be aiming to complete a clean sweep ahead of the busy international cricket season while also giving returning players like Rana valuable game time.

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.

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