New Delhi:
In a span of just three months, Harshit Rana has etched his name in the annals of Indian cricket history by becoming the first Indian bowler to take three wickets on debut in all three formats of the game. His latest feat came in the first ODI against England in Nagpur, where he overcame an early onslaught to deliver a stellar performance.
Rana’s journey to this milestone has been nothing short of remarkable. Despite facing criticism for his inclusion in the team ahead of other experienced players, he has consistently proven his worth. In his ODI debut, Rana was initially hit for 26 runs in an over by England’s explosive opener Phil Salt, a baptism by fire that could have rattled any debutant. However, he showed remarkable resilience and mental fortitude to bounce back and claim crucial wickets.
Harshit Rana’s international career has been a whirlwind of debuts and impressive performances. He made his Test debut against Australia in Perth, where he took 3/48, and followed it up with a T20I debut against England in Pune, where he picked up 3/33. His ODI debut continued this trend, as he finished with figures of 3/53 from seven overs, dismissing Ben Duckett, Harry Brook, and Liam Livingstone.
Rana’s inclusion in the ODI squad was due to the injury of Jasprit Bumrah, and he was well-prepared to seize the opportunity. “You get to know only when you come to the ground. Mentally, I’m always prepared whenever I come to the ground,” Rana said, reflecting on his mental preparation.
The initial stages of Rana’s ODI debut were challenging, with Phil Salt smashing him for 26 runs in an over. However, after a brief respite, Rana was brought back into the attack and quickly turned the tables. A brilliant catch by Yashasvi Jaiswal gave Rana his first ODI wicket, and he followed it up with the dismissal of Harry Brook just two balls later. This dramatic turnaround was a testament to Rana’s ability to adapt and focus on his strengths.
Rana emphasized the importance of maintaining a consistent length and hitting the right areas. “There are always ups and downs in cricket, I only wanted to focus on my length, bowl where I have to and I got the reward for that later,” he explained. This approach was significantly influenced by advice from captain Rohit Sharma, who helped Rana utilize his pace and bounce effectively.
Rana acknowledged that the one-day format is particularly demanding, requiring bowlers to perform different roles in different phases of the game. “This format is a bit difficult because it’s a long format, you get (to bowl) 10 overs. You have to play different roles in different phases. But if you practice it (well), it’s good,” he noted.
Harshit Rana received his ODI cap from Mohammed Shami and shared the new ball with him during the match, marking a significant moment in his career. As he continues to make waves in international cricket, Rana remains focused on delivering for his country, undeterred by external criticisms. “I believe that people will keep on talking,” he said. “I just want to play, good or bad. I’m not bothered, I just want to deliver for my country.”
