Chennai: India have made a notable change to their squad ahead of the third and final One Day International (ODI) against Afghanistan, with fast bowler Harshit Rana returning to the setup after recovering from injury. The match is scheduled to be played in Chennai on Saturday, with India already having secured the three-match series by winning the first two encounters.

The inclusion of Rana marks a significant comeback for the 24-year-old pacer, who had been sidelined due to a knee injury sustained earlier this year. His return adds depth to India’s bowling unit as the team looks to finish the series on a high.

Comeback after injury setback

Harshit Rana had been out of action since suffering 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 proved costly, as it ruled him out of the tournament, which India eventually won by defeating New Zealand in the final.

In addition to missing the World Cup, Rana was also unavailable for the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he represents Kolkata Knight Riders. His absence was felt in both competitions, given his growing reputation as a reliable fast bowler in limited-overs formats.

Following an extensive rehabilitation programme at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, Rana has now been declared fit and has joined the Indian squad in Chennai. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed his return through an official statement.

Rana’s record and role

Rana has featured in 14 ODIs for India so far, claiming 16 wickets at an average of 27.38 and maintaining an economy rate of 6.21. His ability to generate pace and extract bounce has made him a valuable asset, particularly in conditions that favour fast bowling.

Although his last international appearance came during a home T20I series against New Zealand earlier this year, his inclusion in the ODI squad indicates the team management’s confidence in his abilities and fitness.

With India already having sealed the series, the third ODI could provide Rana with an opportunity to regain match rhythm and prove his readiness for upcoming assignments.

Squad balance and leadership

The Indian squad for the third ODI is led by Shubman Gill, with senior players such as Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul providing experience and stability. The team also includes promising talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar, reflecting a blend of youth and experience.

The presence of multiple bowling options, including Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna, ensures that India have a well-rounded attack capable of adapting to different match situations.

Rana’s inclusion further strengthens the pace department and offers the team additional flexibility in team selection.

Focus on clean sweep

Having already secured the series, India will now aim for a clean sweep against Afghanistan. The final ODI presents an opportunity for the team to test its bench strength and fine-tune combinations ahead of future tours and tournaments.

For players like Rana, the match holds added importance as they look to cement their place in the squad and make a strong impression on the selectors.

Looking ahead

Rana has also been named in India’s squad for the upcoming tours of Ireland and England, where the team is scheduled to play seven T20 Internationals. His return to fitness comes at a crucial time, as India prepare for a busy international calendar.

The team management will be keen to monitor his performance and workload to ensure he remains fit for the demanding schedule ahead.

Conclusion

Harshit Rana’s inclusion in the squad for the third ODI against Afghanistan is a positive development for Indian cricket, highlighting the successful rehabilitation of a promising fast bowler. As India look to complete a clean sweep, the focus will also be on giving returning players valuable game time.

Rana’s comeback not only strengthens the current squad but also adds to India’s growing pool of pace options, which will be crucial in maintaining consistency across formats in the coming months.