Harshit Rana returns to India squad for 3rd ODI vs Afghanistan in Chennai
Synopsis
Harshit Rana is back. The 24-year-old pacer, sidelined since a knee ligament injury during the T20 World Cup warm-ups, has cleared rehab and rejoined India's ODI squad for the series-sealing third match against Afghanistan in Chennai — his first step back toward an international schedule that includes tours of Ireland and England.
Key Takeaways
Harshit Rana has been added to India's squad for the third ODI against Afghanistan on Saturday at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai .
Rana completed rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (COE) after knee ligament surgery following injury in the 2026 T20 World Cup warm-up.
The 24-year-old has taken 16 wickets in 14 ODIs at an average of 27.38 .
He was also ruled out of IPL 2026 ; Kolkata Knight Riders signed Navdeep Saini as his replacement.
India leads the Afghanistan ODI series 2-0 and is eyeing a clean sweep at Chepauk .
Rana is also named in India's squad for upcoming Ireland and England tours featuring 7 T20Is .
Harshit Rana has been added to the India squad for the third and final ODI against Afghanistan, scheduled for Saturday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the development on Friday, 19 June, noting that the all-rounder has completed his rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (COE) and has already linked up with the squad.
BCCI Confirms Rana's Return
The BCCI's official statement read: 'The Men's Selection Committee has added Harshit Rana to the India squad for the third and final IDFC First Bank ODI against Afghanistan. Rana, who has completed his rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (COE), has linked up with the ODI squad in Chennai.'
The 24-year-old right-arm pacer's inclusion marks his return to competitive cricket after a prolonged injury layoff that began earlier this year.
The Injury That Kept Him Out
Rana suffered a ligament strain in his right knee during the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup warm-up game against South Africa in Navi Mumbai, after delivering just one over. He subsequently underwent surgery and was replaced in that squad by Mohammed Siraj. India went on to win the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup at home, though Rana missed the entire tournament.
His recovery also ruled him out of IPL 2026, with Kolkata Knight Riders signing Navdeep Saini as his replacement for the season. His last international appearance came during the home T20I series against New Zealand in January this year.
Rana's ODI Record and Upcoming Commitments
Across 14 ODIs for India, Rana has taken 16 wickets at an average of 27.38 and an economy rate of 6.21. His return is timely — he has also been named in India's squad for the upcoming tours of Ireland and England, where the team is scheduled to play seven T20Is.
Series Context and Updated Squad
India leads the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan 2-0, having secured victories in Dharamsala and Lucknow. The final match on Saturday presents an opportunity for a clean sweep.
The updated squad for the third ODI is: Shubman Gill (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer (vice-captain), KL Rahul (wicket-keeper), Ishan Kishan (wicket-keeper), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Harshit Rana.
With the series already secured, Saturday's fixture at Chepauk will be closely watched as a fitness and form assessment for Rana ahead of India's demanding overseas schedule.
Point of View
Where the real examination begins. His selection alongside an already-settled pace unit also signals that the selectors are willing to carry an extra body into the tour rather than risk a cold start abroad.
NationPress
6 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Harshit Rana added to India's squad for the third ODI against Afghanistan?
Harshit Rana was added after completing his rehabilitation from a knee ligament injury at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. The BCCI confirmed on 19 June that he has linked up with the ODI squad in Chennai ahead of Saturday's match.
What injury did Harshit Rana suffer and when?
Rana suffered a ligament strain in his right knee during the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup warm-up game against South Africa in Navi Mumbai, after bowling just one over. He subsequently underwent surgery and missed the entire T20 World Cup, IPL 2026, and several international series.
What is Harshit Rana's ODI record for India?
Rana has played 14 ODIs for India, taking 16 wickets at an average of 27.38 and an economy rate of 6.21. His last international appearance was during the home T20I series against New Zealand in January 2026.
Where is the third India vs Afghanistan ODI being played?
The third and final ODI is scheduled for Saturday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. India leads the series 2-0 after wins in Dharamsala and Lucknow.
Which other tours has Harshit Rana been selected for?
Rana has been named in India's squad for the upcoming tours of Ireland and England, where the team is set to play seven T20Is. His recall for the Afghanistan ODI is seen as a fitness-building step ahead of those assignments.
