Dharamsala: The Indian management and selectors have asked Harshit Rana to join the ODI team ahead of the third ODI against Afghanistan in Chennai. TOI understands that the selectors will not announce a replacement for the injured all-rounder. Hardik Pandya. Rana will join now to return to international cricket after missing the T20 World Cup due to knee surgery. A BCTOI source said, “The team management offered Harshit an opportunity to join the squad earlier in the series, but it was decided that he needs more practice in the CoE. He has been playing nine to 10 overs every day and has been able to maintain his intensity. He is also working hard on his batting. He is likely to be officially cleared by the CoE on June 17 and will travel to Chennai immediately”. Rana has been selected for the T20Is in Ireland and England starting later this month. The team management is keen to develop Nitish Kumar Reddy as a seven-bowling all-rounder to provide backup to Hardik Pandya.
