Young fast bowler Harshit Rana is one of the most talked-about names in Indian cricket, and most of the credit goes to head coach Gautam Gambhir. Despite not having big numbers behind his name, Harshit Rana has been referred to over many big names, all thanks to Gautam Gambhir’s backing.
Time and again, the Indian head coach showed his full support to the young fast bowler, having worked with him at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL. Gambhir also knows Rana from his Delhi days, and another important thing is that it is his batting element that lures the coach.
Harshit Rana reveals how Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli boost his confidence on and off the field
Presently, Rana is playing in the ongoing three-match ODI series against South Africa. Well, his journey is getting even more exciting as he continues to grow under the guidance of the biggest legends in the game—Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
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The 23-year-old has so far played 16 matches for India, and in more than half of them, he has shared the dressing room with Kohli and Rohit.
Ahead of the second ODI against South Africa in Raipur, Harshit admitted that he is enjoying one of the happiest phases of his career because of the support he receives from the two senior players behind the scenes.
Amidst the report of a rift between Gautam Gambhir and the former captain, Rana that the atmosphere in the Indian camp has been extremely positive. He even shared that the constant push from experienced teammates has made him more confident on and off the field.
They always want youngsters to get better: Harshit Rana praises Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma
Harshit Rana said on the eve of the Raipur ODI, as quoted by ESPNCricinfo, “It is a big thing for me, and for the entire team too. If such experienced players are with you in the dressing room and on the field, the environment stays great. At this time, off the field—even in the dressing room—it is a happy environment for the entire team. Everyone wants to be better.”
The young pacer further noted, “In their (Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli) minds, they always want youngsters to get better. When I am bowling, for example, they always tell me how to bowl better. When a player gets such a great team environment, things automatically go well.”
“They are always motivated—whether it is good times or bad times. They back you and tell you what next steps you should take. As a youngster, this really helps you, because when you are on the field—in a pressure situation—they help you out a lot.”
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Harshit Rana opens up about his new-ball gamble in Ranchi ODI
Meanwhile, Harshit surprised everyone in the first ODI against South Africa by taking the new ball and striking twice in his very first over. Jasprit Bumrah was rested for the ongoing ODI series, while Hardik Pandya was not available due to his injury.
Gambhir and stand-in captain KL Rahul decided to hand the new ball to Rana, and he delivered to prove his call right.
The Delhi lad revealed that he has been working hard with Indian bowling coach Morne Morkel and learning important tricks from Arshdeep Singh, who has been guiding him during practice sessions. This gave confidence to Rana and the team management for the role.
Harshit Rana signed off by saying, “With the new ball, I’ve practiced a lot with Morne [Morkel, the bowling coach]and also talked a lot with Arshdeep [Singh]He has a lot of experience, and he helps me in practice by telling me how I should bowl better,”
“In India, bowling is different because the variations are what you have to depend on. In each phase, you have to bowl differently in different roles: sometimes attacking, sometimes defensive.”
