After The Leeds Loss, The Indian Pacer Was Released From The Squad

June 25, 2025, Leeds. After India lost the first Test at Headingley by five wickets, fast bowler Harshit Rana was dropped from the Test team ahead of the second match against England at Edgbaston.

Why did Rana drop from the Second Test?

The 23-year-old Rana did not accompany the team to Birmingham after being plucked from the India A squad as a precaution because of a "niggle" in the main pace group. Rana was sent home because, in the words of head coach Gautam Gambhir, "everything looks fine" in the bowling unit. 

The bowler, who made his Test debut in Australia, struggled in England, giving up 99 runs for a single wicket in the unofficial match for India. He only took four wickets in two games at an average of 50.75. A.

Indian Bowlers' Performance In The First Test in Leeds

Except for Jasprit Bumrah, India's bowling was ineffective in the first Test match at Headingley, allowing England to chase down 371 with unexpected ease. Gambhir's remarks supported the original choice to include Rana in the team mainly as a cover player rather than a front-line option.

Series Replacement Strategy 

• The team's backup pace plan has been modified since Rana returned to India. Gambhir stated that the bowling approach will be finalized after a conversation with the chairman of selectors.
• Focus moves to Edgbaston: Following the Headingley defeat, India will have a little window of time to reflect and re-strategize as the second Test of the England v India test match starts on July 2 at Edgbaston. 
• Bowling boost is planned: There is increasing pressure to adjust the pace-spinning balance for the forthcoming game due to the struggles of pacers like Prasidh Krishna and Shardul Thakur.