India’s Test series in England couldn’t have started on a worse note. After a high-scoring thriller in Leeds, India still ended up on the losing side, with England chasing down a massive 371 on the final day. And just a day after that gut-punch loss, Harshit Rana was released from the squad quietly, without much fanfare, and without even making the trip to Birmingham for the second Test. Naturally, fans had questions.

What Went Wrong in the First Test？

To be honest, it wasn’t the batting. India’s top order went wild—five centuries across two innings! But despite racking up over 800 runs, they just couldn’t seal the deal. Why? The bowling attack didn’t deliver. Apart from Bumrah, the rest of the India pacer unit—Siraj, Shardul, Prasidh looked flat and out of ideas. They couldn’t back up the batting effort, and England’s chase felt way too comfortable.

Coach Gautam Gambhir tried to keep things calm afterward. “These are still early days,” he said. “We’re building a group of bowlers for the long term.” Fair enough, but with the bowling under scrutiny, fans expected to see backup options come into play. That’s where Harshit Rana in Test conversations suddenly heated up… but not in the way people expected.

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Why Harshit Rana Was Released from India Test Squad？

Let’s break it down. Harshit Rana was released just one day after the defeat. He didn’t travel with the team to Birmingham and reportedly flew back to India. He wasn’t part of the original squad—just added as a backup due to minor injury concerns in the camp. Once those cleared up, the management felt there was no longer a need for him.

🚨 HARSHIT RANA HAS BEEN RELEASED FROM TEAM INDIA’S SQUAD 🚨 (Sahil Malhotra/TOI).

– Harshi didn’t travel with the Indian team for Birmingham..!!!! pic.twitter.com/oOqkWYRw2e

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) June 25, 2025

But there’s more beneath the surface. His recent red-ball numbers haven’t exactly impressed. During the India A tour against England Lions, Harshit Rana in Test form didn’t sparkle, just one wicket in 27 overs, conceding nearly 100 runs. That’s not the kind of performance that earns you a debut in a high-stakes Test match. Plus, there was a fair bit of noise around his inclusion in the first place, with fans questioning whether Gambhir was showing favoritism because of their time together at KKR. That kind of pressure may have accelerated the decision to send him home. And just like that, He’s sent home without bowling a single ball in the Test series.

Could We Still See Harshit Rana Play in This Series？

Never say never, right? While Harshit Rana was released ahead of the second Test, it doesn’t mean he’s out of the picture forever. If there are new injuries—or if India’s bowlers continue to struggle—he might get another call. The team has four more Tests to play. But for now, it looks like Harshit Rana in Test cricket will have to wait.

And it’s not the end of the world. At just 23, this India pacer has time on his side. A bit more domestic grind, a few more first-class matches, and he could return better and more ready. Sometimes, players get a taste of the big league, only to realize they need a bit more seasoning. Maybe that’s the case here. Still, it stings for fans who were hoping for a fresh face to spice up India’s pace attack. Whether it’s in England or somewhere down the road, Harshit Rana in Test cricket isn’t an idea we should shelve just yet. This India pacer might have taken an early flight home, but something tells me this isn’t the last we’ve heard of him.