India pacer Harshit Rana has rejoined the national ODI squad ahead of the third and final One-Day International against Afghanistan after successfully completing his rehabilitation from a knee injury, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed on Friday.

The 24-year-old fast bowler had been sidelined for several months after suffering a ligament strain in his right knee during India’s T20 World Cup warm-up match against South Africa earlier this year. The injury proved serious enough to require surgery in February, ruling him out of both the ICC T20 World Cup and the subsequent Indian Premier League season.

Following months of recovery and rehabilitation under the supervision of the BCCI’s medical and support staff at the Centre of Excellence (COE), Rana has now been cleared to return to competitive cricket. His inclusion in the squad marks an important milestone in his recovery and provides India with an additional pace-bowling option as they continue to build depth ahead of future international assignments.

Confirming the development, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said in an official media release: “Mr Harshit Rana, who has completed his rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (COE), has linked up with the ODI squad in Chennai.”

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Rana joined the team ahead of Saturday’s third ODI, which will be played in Chennai. India enter the match with the series already secured, having registered victories in the opening two encounters to take an unassailable 2-0 lead over Afghanistan.

With the series outcome already decided, the final ODI could provide the team management an opportunity to test its bench strength and assess players returning from injury, including Rana. The young pacer has been highly regarded for his ability to generate pace and bounce, and selectors will be keen to see him regain full match fitness after a lengthy absence from competitive action.

India have looked dominant throughout the series, with contributions coming from both experienced campaigners and emerging talents. The return of Rana further strengthens a squad that combines established stars with promising youngsters as the team continues preparations for a busy international calendar.

All eyes will now be on whether Rana gets an opportunity to feature in the series finale as he begins his journey back to full international cricket following a challenging rehabilitation period.