Indian fast bowler Harshit Rana to join squad for Afghanistan ODI series

India’s 24‑year‑old right‑arm pacer Harshit Rana, who has been recovering from knee‑ligament surgery that forced him out of the T20 World Cup 2026 and the IPL 2026, has been asked to link up with the national side ahead of the third and final ODI against Afghanistan. The match is scheduled for June 20 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, with medical clearance expected around June 17 after intensive training at the Centre of Excellence, where he has been bowling nine to ten overs daily and working on his batting.

Rana’s return adds a pace option for India after all‑rounder Hardik Pandya’s injury and comes as the team prepares for the run‑up to the ODI World Cup 2027. He debuted in 2025 and has taken 26 wickets in 14 ODIs at an average of 27.38.