Key facts
- Harshit Rana added to India's ODI squad for 3rd ODI vs Afghanistan
- Rana had been sidelined following knee surgery
- The third ODI is the series decider
- Late squad change made ahead of the final match
ESPN and India Today report that fast bowler Harshit Rana has been added to India's ODI squad for the third and final match against Afghanistan, having been cleared to play after recovering from knee surgery. The inclusion was confirmed ahead of the decider, with selectors opting to bring in the young Delhi-born pacer to bolster India's pace options.
Rana, who made his mark in domestic cricket and the IPL before earning international recognition, had been sidelined with a knee injury that kept him out of earlier action. His recovery and recall ahead of a series decider underlines the team management's confidence in his fitness and ability to contribute at the highest level.
For Indian cricket fans, the squad change is significant because the third ODI determines the series outcome against Afghanistan. Adding a recovering but potent fast bowler at this stage also signals India's intent to treat the series seriously while giving Rana competitive match time as the selectors continue to rotate and test options for future assignments.