Harshit Rana has been added to India’s squad for the third and final One-Day International (ODI) against Afghanistan, giving the team an extra pace-bowling option ahead of the series finale in Chennai. The announcement came from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Friday after the young fast bowler successfully completed his rehabilitation program and was cleared to return to competitive cricket.
The final ODI of the three-match series will be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on June 20. India has already secured the series with convincing victories in the first two matches and currently holds an unassailable 2-0 lead.
Harshit Rana Cleared After Rehabilitation
According to the BCCI, Harshit Rana recently completed his recovery process at the National Cricket Academy’s Centre of Excellence, where he had been working under the supervision of medical experts and physiotherapists. After successfully passing the required fitness assessments, he was declared available for selection and has joined the Indian squad in Chennai.
His return comes as a welcome boost for the Indian pace attack, which has been operating without several senior fast bowlers during the Afghanistan series. With the team management carefully managing workloads ahead of a busy international calendar, Rana’s availability provides additional depth and flexibility.
India Dominating the ODI Series
India has looked in complete control throughout the series. The hosts won the opening ODI by seven wickets in Dharamshala before registering a commanding 170-run victory in Lucknow in the second match.
Afghanistan Tour of India 2026-ODI Series
| Match | Result | Venue | Date |
| First ODI | India won by 7 wickets | Dharamshala | June 14 |
| Second ODI | India won by 170 runs | Lucknow | June 17 |
| Third ODI | Scheduled | Chennai | June 20 |
With the series already secured, the final ODI could provide India an opportunity to test bench strength and give returning players valuable game time. Harshit Rana is among the players who could benefit from such an opportunity if selected in the playing XI.
Extra Pace Option for Captain Shubman Gill
India’s bowling unit has largely relied on Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna in the ongoing series, while senior pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj have not featured. Rana’s inclusion gives captain Shubman Gill another fast-bowling option, particularly useful in Chennai where conditions can vary depending on weather and pitch preparation.
The team management may also view the final ODI as a chance to assess Rana’s match fitness following his lengthy absence from international cricket.
Injury Forced Him Out of Major Tournaments
Harshit Rana’s return marks the end of a difficult recovery period. The pacer suffered an injury during a practice match against South Africa before the T20 World Cup. The injury was serious enough to require surgery, ruling him out of both the T20 World Cup and the subsequent Indian Premier League season.
Missing two major tournaments was a significant setback for the young fast bowler, but his successful rehabilitation has now paved the way for a comeback at the international level.
India Squad for Third ODI
The Indian squad for the final ODI includes Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer (vice-captain), KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey and Harshit Rana.
Harshit Rana’s ODI Record
Despite being early in his international career, Harshit Rana has already shown promise with the ball in the 50-over format.
| ODI Career Statistics | Harshit Rana |
| Matches | 14 |
| Wickets | 26 |
| Best Bowling Figures | 4/39 |
| Economy Rate | 6.21 |
As India prepares for the final match of the series, all eyes will be on whether Harshit Rana makes his return to the playing XI. His comeback not only strengthens India’s bowling resources but also represents an important step in the young pacer’s journey back to full fitness and international cricket.
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