The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly announced right-arm speedster Harshit Rana's inclusion in the squad for the 3rd and final Test against New Zealand, set to begin on November 1 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Rana could also make his debut as the hosts aim to finish off the series on a high.
Rana has had a meteoric rise, especially since playing a pivotal role in the Kolkata Knight Riders' title victory this year. The youngster finished the season with 19 scalps in 13 matches at 20.15 and was the second-highest wicket-taker for the three-time champions.
Rana has also been in good form for Delhi in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season. The 22-year-old finished the fixture against Assam with seven wickets along with scoring 59 as Delhi won by ten wickets. Rana is also among the pacers named for the five-Test series in Australia.
India lose first Test series at home since 2012:
Meanwhile, New Zealand breached India's fortress as they took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-Test series with a 113-run win in the second Test in Pune. The hosts' dismal 46 all out in the first innings of the opening Test in Bengaluru led them to lose the game by eight wickets.
With the track in Pune aiding spin, Mitchell Santner used his skills and the conditions to significant effect to bowl India out twice. The left-arm spinner finished the game with 13 wickets, including seven in the first innings to fire the Kiwis to an easy win.
