India all-rounder Harshit Rana has been added to the squad for the third and final ODI against Afghanistan, scheduled to be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday, the BCCI announced on Friday.
Having successfully completed his rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (COE), Rana has now rejoined the national side as India prepare for the final match of the ODI series, which they have already secured with an unassailable 2-0 lead.
“The Men’s Selection Committee has added Harshit Rana to the India squad for the third and final IDFC First Bank ODI against Afghanistan. Rana, who has completed his rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (COE), has linked up with the ODI squad in Chennai,” the BCCI said in a statement.
Harshit Rana returns after lengthy injury rehabilitation
The call-up marks Rana’s return to the national setup after a lengthy injury layoff. The 24-year-old had been sidelined since suffering a ligament strain in his right knee during India’s warm-up match against South Africa ahead of the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup in Navi Mumbai. He was forced off after bowling just one over and subsequently underwent surgery, with Mohammed Siraj replacing him in India’s World Cup squad.
The right-arm pacer was also ruled out of IPL 2026 while recovering from surgery. His franchise, the Kolkata Knight Riders, brought in Navdeep Saini as his replacement for the season.
Rana has represented India in 14 ODIs, claiming 16 wickets at an average of 27.38 and an economy rate of 6.21. His last international appearance came in the T20I series against New Zealand earlier this year.
The comeback comes at an important time for the youngster, who has also been named in India’s squads for the upcoming tours of Ireland and England, where the team will play seven T20 Internationals.
India head into the final ODI in Chennai full of confidence after comprehensive victories in Dharamsala and Lucknow helped them take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
India squad for third ODI: Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer (vice-captain), 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 and Harshit Rana.