Harshit Rana was on Tuesday called up to the India squad for the third Test against New Zealand, starting at the Wankhede on Friday.
It was learnt that the pacer could make the playing XI if India decided to rest Jasprit Bumrah and test him ahead of the tour of Australia.
India have already lost the series following defeats in Bengaluru and Pune. Rana has been included in the 18-member squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy starting on November 22.
The 22-year-old had an impressive all-round performance as Delhi registered a 10-wicket win over Assam to earn a bonus point in the Ranji Trophy game on Tuesday. Rana took seven wickets, including a five-wicket haul, and scored a quickfire half-century at No. 8.
“The team management wanted me to play domestically before heading to Australia, and I’m glad I performed well in this match with both bat and ball,” Rana said about his performance against Assam.
He was named in India’s T20I squad against Bangladesh but didn’t make his debut as the hosts won the series 3-0.
New Zealand Cricket confirmed on Tuesday that Kane Williamson will not travel to India for the third Test and instead focus on his recovery before the three-match series at home against England.
