The Indian cricket team has gone through some drastic changes over the past few months. The BCCI selectors made some tough decisions, which led to the sacking of some players and the return of others. But amidst all this, there was one player who was constantly picked across all formats,
This also happened when the BCCI announced India’s squad for the tour of Australia. The squad had several changes, with Rohit being removed as captain, Shreyas Iyer as the new Vice Captain, Bumrah being rested, Jadeja being excluded and a lot more. But there is one thing which remained common, and it was the inclusion of Harshit Rana.
1. The Gambhir-Harshit Connection in KKR
Every Indian cricket fan knows that the IPL 2024 final changed everything in the game. With Kolkata Knight Riders winning, it was not just Gautam Gambhir who came to the Indian team as a Head Coach. He even brought Harshit Rana to the line-up, as he saw a future talent in him.
Harshit Rana in IPL 2024:
- Innings: 11
- Overs: 42.1
- Wickets: 19
- Average: 20.15
- Economy: 9.08
The Kolkata Knight Riders had a young line-up, with only a few players having experience. Even at this point, the team was still able to dominate over the other teams and eventually win the trophy. For this,
, being among the highest wicket takers.
He didn’t get consistent chances to play for the team in the IPL 2022 and 2023 seasons. But under Gautam Gambhir, he proved his worth, and now he is an all-format bowler for the Indian cricket team. Even in an interview after the IPL 2024, he told how grateful he is to Gautam Gambhir, before he was announced as the Indian Head Coach.
2. Harshit’s Consistent Team Presence
Since Gautam Gambhir has been the Head Coach of the Indian cricket team, Harshit Rana waited for his debut. Although he did not get the chance to play for the team, his name was constantly available in the line-up. Whether it is an away T20I series or the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, fans found his name everywhere.
Harshit Rana in International (All Formats):
- Innings: 11
- Overs: 92.2
- Wickets: 19
- Average: 27.47
- Economy: 5.65
Harshit eventually made his debut in the Test format in Australia. In his first-ever Test match, Harshit Rana took the wickets of Travis Head, Nathan Lyon, and Mitchell Starc. This had impressed the fans, but they soon got to know that Harshit is not consistent in taking wickets.
Despite Harshit not being able to perform consistently, he is still being picked in the Test squad. Later, when India’s squad for the Champions Trophy was announced, Harshit Rana also made his way there. Mohammed Siraj, India’s finest pacer, was dropped, but Harshit, with no experience in the ODI format,
Such actions continued in the T20I format also, and it should be noted that Harshit Rana has played just 10 international matches combined across all formats. Although he is not getting consistent opportunities to be in the playing eleven, his selection in the squad is now being questioned by the fans. Maybe it is the favouritism by Gautam Gambhir, which has helped him to sustain in the team.