Harshit Rana creates problems for Gautam Gambhir and openly sides with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma
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. Although he doesn’t have big numbers behind his name, Harshit Rana has been mentioned among many big names, all thanks to the support of Gautam Gambhir.
Time and again, the Indian head coach has shown his full support for 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 attracts the coach.
Harshit Rana reveals how Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli boost his confidence on and off the field
Currently, Rana is playing in the ongoing three-match ODI series against South Africa. Well, his journey becomes even more exciting as he continues to grow under the guidance of the game’s greatest legends: 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 thanks to the support he is receiving from the two senior players behind the scenes.
Amid reports of a rift between Gautam Gambhir and former captain, Rana, the mood in the Indian camp has been overwhelmingly positive. He even shared that the constant pressure from his experienced teammates has made him more confident on and off the field.
They always want youngsters to improve: Harshit Rana praises Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma
Harshit Rana said on the eve of the Raipur ODI as quoted by ESPNCricinfo: “It’s a big thing for me, and for the whole team too. If such experienced players are with you in the dressing room and on the field, the environment remains great. Right now, off the field, even in the dressing room, it’s a happy environment for the whole team. Everyone wants to be better.”
The young pacer further noted, “In their (Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli) minds, they always want the youngsters to improve. When I bowl, for example, they always tell me how to bowl better. When a player gets such a good team environment, things automatically go well.”
“They are always motivated, whether in good times or bad. They support you and tell you the next steps to take. As a young guy, it really helps you, because when you are on the field, in a pressure situation, they help you a lot.”
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Harshit Rana talks about his new 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 unavailable due to his injury.
Gambhir and stand-in captain KL Rahul decided to hand the new ball to Rana, and he proved that his decision was right.
The Delhi lad revealed that he worked hard under Indian bowling coach Morne Morkel and learned important tips from Arshdeep Singh, who guided him during practice sessions. This gave confidence to Rana and the team management for this role.
Harshit Rana concluded by saying, “With the new ball, I practiced a lot with Morne [Morkel, the bowling coach]and I also talked a lot with Arshdeep [Singh]. He has a lot of experience and he helps me in training by telling me how I should play better.”
“In India, bowling is different because you have to rely on variations. In each phase, you have to bowl differently in different roles: sometimes offensive, sometimes defensive.”
