Harshit Rana included in India's squad for final Afghanistan ODI
What's the story
Fast bowler Harshit Rana has been included in India's squad for the third and final ODI against Afghanistan. The decision comes as a surprise, considering his absence due to a knee injury suffered in a warm-up match against South Africa in Mumbai ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. However, he has now recovered fully and is ready to make his comeback. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the addition of Rana to the squad on Friday morning.
Comeback journey
Rana missed T20 World Cup due to injury
Rana had suffered a knee injury during a warm-up match against South Africa in Mumbai, ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. The injury ruled him out of the entire tournament, which India eventually won by defeating New Zealand in the final. Mohammed Siraj replaced Rana at short notice and played India's opening game of the tournament, taking three wickets in their 29-run win over USA.
Upcoming challenges
Rana missed IPL and other major events
Rana also missed the entire IPL 2026 season with Kolkata Knight Riders due to his knee injury. The franchise brought in right-arm pacer Navdeep Saini as his replacement for the tournament. Despite missing out on these major events, Rana has been included in India's squad for upcoming tours of Ireland and England, where they are scheduled to play seven T20Is.
Final lineup
India have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series
Team India has already taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the bilateral series against Afghanistan. The final ODI will be played in Chennai on Saturday. Updated Indian squad for the third ODI against Afghanistan: Shubman Gill (c), Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer (vc), KL Rahul (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Harshit Rana
Stats
Rana has been impressive in ODIs
Having played 14 ODIs so far, Rana has claimed 26 wickets at an average of 27.38. His economy of 6.21 has been on the higher side. Earlier this year, the bowling all-rounder slammed his maiden fifty in the format - a 52 against New Zealand in Indore.