India's Harshit Rana Released from Test Squad Ahead of Pivotal Second Test Against England

India take on England (AP Photo)

Leeds: India's fast bowler Harshit Rana has been released from the Test squad prior to the second match of the five-Test series against England.

The young speedster, initially called up as a precautionary measure, was not seen boarding the team bus to Birmingham with his teammates. The Indian squad departed from Leeds around 11:30 am local time, with an expected journey time of just over three hours to Birmingham.

The team is scheduled to rest for two days before resuming training in preparation for the second Test. They will be looking to level the series after the disappointment at Headingley.

Following India’s defeat in the first Test, Gautam Gambhir commented on Rana's inclusion: “I haven't spoken to the chairman selector; I will speak to the chairman of selectors because there was a bit of a niggle in the group. That is why we wanted him as a backup."

“But at the moment, everything looks fine, so if everyone is fine, he would have to fly back.”

India's loss at Headingley, despite a strong batting performance, has been a major talking point. The team amassed 835 runs and recorded five individual centuries, yet still suffered defeat. It was a historic first, marking the first time a team has lost a Test match despite scoring five centuries.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant (twice) all achieved centuries, but England executed a remarkable chase of 371, securing a five-wicket victory on the final day. Ben Duckett’s aggressive 149 provided the foundation for the successful chase, with substantial contributions from Crawley and Root. The total of 1673 runs scored by both teams is the highest ever recorded in a Test match between India and England.

India is set to face England in the second Test at Edgbaston on July 2.