Goa, June 17 -- Team India is set to kick off a high-stakes five-match Test series against England starting June 20 at Headingley in Leeds. As part of their preparations, the squad recently played an intra-squad match in Beckenham, featuring several fringe and emerging players including Sarfaraz Khan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Anshul Kamboj, Khaleel Ahmed, and Harshit Rana.

One notable development has stirred speculation: Harshit Rana, who claimed a wicket in a warm-up game against the England Lions, has been asked to remain in England. Though not originally named in the main squad, his extended stay hints at possible concerns over the current pace unit.

India's pace attack presently comprises Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Aka...