Delhi seamer Harshit Rana was on Tuesday called up to the India squad for the third Test against New Zealand in Mumbai.
Rana is likely to make his Test debut at the Wankhede Stadium on Friday.
Initially linked with the Indian squad as a travelling reserve at the start of the series in Bengaluru, Rana was later released to play in Delhi’s Ranji Trophy third-round match against Assam.
The 22-year-old pacer had a fruitful all-round outing as Delhi registered a 10-wicket win to earn a bonus point at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday.
“If India want him to play, I would love to see. If he ends up playing a Test before going to Australia, then it is better for Harshit and for India too that they get a good fast bowler,” former national selector and current Delhi coach Sarandeep Singh told The Indian Express.
I know how to handle these players. I have played Tests, ODIs, been a selector. I know the mindset that is required to play at the highest level. That is how I prepare the players. Everyone is different. You can’t treat everyone the same way. I motivate them the way they will understand. I told Rana that he is on the verge of an opportunity for India and that he should take a fifer here. He got pumped up and delivered here. This is just how a coach talks. He is ready to play right now.”
Harshit on his performance said: “The team management wanted me to play domestic before going to Australia and I am glad that I did well in this match both with bat and ball.”
