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Nayar said India will be retaining the same squad that had played in the second Test, their historic loss to NZ that handed Kiwis their first Test series win in India and handed India their first Test series loss at hime since 2012.
Harshit Rana has once again been excluded as per Abhishek Nayar (X)
It’s a bitterly long wait for Harshit Rana, one that will prolong for yet another while longer, as recent news indicated that the pacer is unlikely to be given his debut cap in the upcoming third and final Test against New Zealand in Mumbai.
Harshit, who was one of the four travelling reserves for the ongoing series against the Tom Latham-led side, was released to play for Delhi in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match against Assam, and in that he picked up a five-wicket haul in the first inning and two in the second, besides scoring 59 runs with the bat to set up the 10-wicket win for the Himmat Singh-led side.
Rana was highly expected to be handed his debut in the final Test, as per multiple reports. But, India’s Assistant Coach Abhishek Nayar quashed all talk of handing Rana his much-awaited debut for India.
Nayar said India will be retaining the same squad that had played in the second Test, their historic loss to NZ that handed Kiwis their first Test series win in India and handed India their first Test series loss at hime since 2012.
“No additions to the squad. Every week is critical every day is critical. We have not been narrow-minded in thinking about the WTC final. We want to focus on this match,” Nayar stated in the pre-match press conference on Wednesday.
After earning his maiden India Test call-up, 22-year-old Harshit, in a recent interview with Indian Express, said that he wants to play for India in whatever format he gets a chance in, and he sees himself as a three-format bowler.
“The team management is looking after my workload. I just want to play for India, whether it is in T20s, ODIs, or Test matches. I see myself as a three-format bowler,” Harshit said.
The right-arm pacer, who was picked as one of the four reserve players for the ongoing Test series between India and New Zealand, says the experience of travelling and training with the Indian team has been a learning curve for him.
But alas, the opportunity to ply his trade and showcase the lessons he has learnt along the way continues to elude him.
India will take on New Zealand on the third and final Test at Wankhede in Mumbai from Friday onwards as the home side will play for pride as they attempt to avoid a historic whitewash.
