‘Perform kar warna bahar baitha dunga’ (Perform or else I’ll drop you) – these words from India coach Gautam Gambhir might sound harsh, but they did wonders for India pacer , who faced severe criticism for his below-par performances in the first two ODIs against Australia.
Rana’s selection in the Indian team across formats has left many baffled. A few have questioned his performance, while many have even pointed fingers at his abilities, alleging that he has been picked in the India team for being a ‘yes man’ to .
When Rana was selected in the India XI for the third ODI ahead of Arshdeep Singh, it was a make-or-break situation for him, and he came out with flying colours, and picking four wickets for 39 runs, playing a significant role in India’s win.
Ahead of the third ODI, a rattled Harshit Rana called his childhood coach Sharvan and said he wants to shut the outside noise. Sharvan slammed the former cricketers for constant criticism of Rana and said if Gambhir has backed the pacer, he must have identified his talent – something he is very good at.
“He called me and told me that he wanted to shut the outside noise with his performance. I just said, believe in yourself. I know some cricketers say he is close to Gambhir. But Gambhir knows how to identify talent, and he backs them. He has backed a lot of cricketers, and they have done wonders for their team. He in fact scolded Harshit badly. He told him directly, ‘perform kar, warna bahar bitunga.’ He sends a clear message to whoever you are,” Sharvan told TOI
“Rana is 23. Let’s give him some time,” he added.
‘Don’t Scrutinize A Kid Who’s Just Started’ – Harshit Rana’s Coach
Sharvan didn’t mince words while slamming Krisnamachari Srikkant, who claimed that Rana was picked in the Indian team for being Gambhir’s ‘yes man’. He requested the former cricketer to give the young pacer time to fail and learn, asking not to target the pacer for the sake of views.
“First, Krishnamachari Srikkanth took the case of this kid. After retirements, cricketers have started their YouTube channels to earn, but please don’t scrutinize any kid who just started. They have the right to guide, scold, but please don’t say anything for your YouTube channel’s visibility,” Sharvan said.
The four-wicket haul meant that Rana ended the series as the highest wicket-taker from both teams.