Team India is set to kick off a high-stakes five-match Test series against England starting June 20 at Headingley in Leeds. As part of their preparations, the squad recently played an intra-squad match in Beckenham, featuring several fringe and emerging players including Sarfaraz Khan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Anshul Kamboj, Khaleel Ahmed, and Harshit Rana.
One notable development has stirred speculation: Harshit Rana, who claimed a wicket in a warm-up game against the England Lions, has been asked to remain in England. Though not originally named in the main squad, his extended stay hints at possible concerns over the current pace unit.
India's pace attack presently comprises Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and Arshdeep Singh. However, with Bumrah unlikely to play all five matches due to workload management, the team could be exploring backup options. Rana, who played a key role in Kolkata Knight Riders' IPL 2024 title win and made his Test debut earlier this year in Australia, has taken four wickets from two Tests.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir, who missed the intra-squad game due to a family emergency, is expected to rejoin the team on Tuesday. In his absence, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, and bowling coach Morne Morkel supervised preparations.
As the first Test draws near, all eyes will be on team composition, especially the fast-bowling department, where fitness and form may shape key selection calls.