NEW DELHI: India all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has received medical clearance from the Centre of Excellence (CoE) to participate in the upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan. However, fast bowler Harshit Rana has suffered a fresh setback and has been ruled out of the series, placing his availability for the subsequent Asian Games in serious doubt.

Nitish Reddy, who had been recovering from a quadriceps injury for the past month and a half, passed his match-simulation fitness tests at the Bengaluru facility. The 23-year-old Andhra all-rounder took part in three simulation matches across the past fortnight and successfully demonstrated his full match fitness.

“He should be fine and get the all-clear from the CoE tomorrow,” a source revealed. “Barring a last-minute twist, he should be joining the Indian team tomorrow.” During his rehabilitation, Reddy also focused heavily on his bowling rhythm and reportedly added extra pace to his deliveries.

Fresh Injury Blow for Harshit Rana

While Reddy is set to link up with the squad in New Delhi, pacer Harshit Rana suffered an unfortunate injury during match simulation as part of the Return to Play (RTP) protocol. The setback not only excludes him from the Afghanistan series but also creates uncertainty regarding his participation in the Asian Games campaign.

Rana has endured a challenging road with injuries, having sustained a hamstring issue against England in July following earlier knee surgery that sidelined him during the IPL season.

Updates on Sundar and Bumrah

In other fitness developments, all-rounder Washington Sundar has successfully ticked all boxes and is cleared for selection. Clarity on lead fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is expected following his scheduled fitness assessments prior to the team entering match preparations.

India and Afghanistan will contest the three-match T20I series in New Delhi on September 13, 15, and 17, with Afghanistan acting as the official host. Following the conclusion of the bilateral fixtures, the Indian squad will depart for the Asian Games on September 18, which includes a warm-up T20I against Japan on September 22 at Sano International Cricket Ground.