India's Harshit Rana Released from Squad Ahead of Second Test vs. England Amid Series Pressure

India take on England (AP Photo)

Leeds: Indian fast bowler Harshit Rana has been released from the Test squad prior to the second match of the ongoing five-Test series against England.

The young speedster, initially called up as a precautionary measure, was not observed boarding the team bus to Birmingham alongside his teammates. The Indian squad departed from Leeds around 11:30 am local time, with an expected travel time of just over three hours to Birmingham.

The team is scheduled to rest for two days before resuming training in preparation for the second Test. Their goal is to level the series and overcome the disappointment of their defeat at Headingley.

Following India’s loss in the first Test, Gautam Gambhir commented on Rana's inclusion: “I haven't spoken to the chairman selector; I will speak to the chairman of selectors because there was a bit of a niggle in the group. That is why we wanted him as a backup."

He further added, “But at the moment, everything looks fine, so if everyone is fine, he would have to fly back.”

India's defeat at Headingley, despite a strong batting performance of 835 runs and five individual centuries, has drawn attention due to its unique circumstances. It marked the first instance in Test history where a team lost despite achieving five centuries in the same match.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant (twice) all scored centuries, but England managed a remarkable chase of 371, securing a five-wicket victory on the final day. Ben Duckett's aggressive 149 provided the foundation for the record chase, with significant contributions from Crawley and Root. The combined total of 1673 runs between the two teams represents the highest ever in a Test match between India and England.

India is set to face England in the second Test at Edgbaston on July 2.