Harshit Rana Added to India Squad for 1st Test vs England, Fans Question Anshul Kamboj’s Omissio. Harshit Rana and Anshul Kamboj recently featured for India A in the unofficial Test series against the England Lions. On Wednesday, June 18, the BCCI announced that pacer Harshit Rana has been added to India’s squad for the first Test against England, to be held at Headingley in Leeds from June 20. The match will see Shubman Gill lead India against Ben Stokes’ England.
Rana played in the first unofficial Test at the St Lawrence Ground in Canterbury, where he picked up one wicket. However, he did not feature in the second match at the County Ground in Northampton.
Following the intra-squad match between India and India A, Rana was asked to remain in England. Soon after, the BCCI officially added him to the main squad for the series opener.
The decision has sparked debate among fans, with many expressing disappointment that Anshul Kamboj was overlooked. Critics argue that Kamboj was more deserving of a call-up based on recent performances.
Fans Slam BCCI for Choosing Harshit Rana Over Anshul Kamboj in India Squad
Cricket fans voiced strong criticism on social media after the BCCI named Harshit Rana in the Indian squad ahead of Anshul Kamboj. Many argued that Kamboj deserved the spot based on his standout performances in the unofficial Test series against the England Lions. The 24-year-old pacer emerged as India’s top wicket-taker in the series with five wickets in two matches and also scored an unbeaten half-century in the second Test at Northampton.
Supporters took to X (formerly Twitter) to vent their frustration, making “Anshul Kamboj” trend across the platform. Some even accused head coach Gautam Gambhir of showing bias, citing Rana’s connection with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL. Gambhir, who mentored KKR to the 2024 IPL title, was alleged to have influenced the selection.
Anshul Kamboj should have been added to the squad. Don’t understand this obsession with Harshit Rana #ENGvIND
— Dodda Ganesh | ದೊಡ್ಡ ಗಣೇಶ್ (@doddaganesha) June 16, 2025
Anshul Kamboj performed better and made headlines with his performance but Gambhir asked Harshit Rana to stay back in England for upcoming India-England series as 19th member of the squad and Kamboj has been sent back to India.
— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) June 17, 2025
Shameful as always from KKR lobby @GautamGambhir
This is the Gautam Gambhir era. Harshit Rana has been asked to stay in the England after doing nothing. But Anshul Kamboj who performed very well has left for India. If this is not favouritism and politics then what is?? pic.twitter.com/x9haQ990qd
— abhay singh (@abhaysingh_13) June 16, 2025
Anshul Kamboj:
— TukTuk Academy (@TukTuk_Academy) June 17, 2025
– 5 wkts, Avg: 26 vs ENG Lions
– 79 wkts, Avg: 22 in FC
Harshit Rana:
– 1 wkts, Avg: 99 vs ENG Lions
– 48 wkts, Avg: 27 in FC
– 4 wkts, Avg: 51 vs Australia
And guess who is selected for the senior team for the ENG series? pic.twitter.com/FlXefffkT9
I genuinely wanted to see Anshul Kamboj play in England. He has the potential to thrive in those conditions. It’s disappointing to see him sent back home, but hopefully, his opportunity will come soon.
— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952) June 17, 2025
pic.twitter.com/xL5rQW9VWg
Squad Update:
— BCCI (@BCCI) June 18, 2025
Harshit Rana links up with Team India for first Test in Leeds.
Details 🔽 #TeamIndia | #ENGvINDhttps://t.co/Lv8xKZS2ZJ pic.twitter.com/dI3oygLOjH
Anshul Kamboj vs England Lions:
— Saabir Zafar (@Saabir_Saabu01) June 17, 2025
76 Runs
5 Wickets
26.2 Average
He has scored an unbeaten 51* runs in the tour.
He deserved a Test debut but unfortunately he's been sent back to India. Hopefully, he'll make his debut soon. 🇮🇳#AnshulKamboj #ENGvIND #INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/ujWs1Pszdr