India's Pacer Harshit Rana Released from Squad Ahead of Second Test vs. England in Birmingham: Backup Call Cut Short After First Test Loss

India take on England (AP Photo)

Leeds: Indian 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 pacer, 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 arrival in Birmingham just over three hours later. The team will now rest for two days before resuming training. They will be aiming to level the series in the second Test and overcome the disappointment of the Headingley defeat.

Following India’s loss in the first Test, Gautam Gambhir commented on Rana: "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."

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

India's defeat at Headingley, despite a strong batting performance including 835 runs and five individual centuries, has been a talking point due to its unique nature. It marked the first instance in Test history of a team losing despite scoring five centuries in a single match.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant (twice) all achieved centuries, but England successfully chased down a target of 371, securing a five-wicket victory on the final day. Ben Duckett’s aggressive 149 laid the foundation for the record chase, complemented by significant contributions from Crawley and Root. The combined 1673 runs scored by both teams set a new record for the highest total in a Test match between India and England.

India is scheduled to play England in the second Test at Edgbaston on July 2.