Young fast bowler Harshit Rana is one of the hottest names in Indian cricket and most of the credit for this goes to head coach Gautam Gambhir. Despite not having any big numbers behind his name, Harshit Rana’s name is taken by many big names due to the support of Gautam Gambhir.
Time and again, the Indian head coach has shown his full support to the young fast bowler, working 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 boosted his confidence on and off the field
Currently, Rana is playing in the ongoing three-match ODI series against South Africa. Well, his journey is getting even more exciting as he moves under the guidance of the biggest legends of the game – Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
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The 23-year-old has played 16 matches for India so far and has shared the dressing room with Kohli and Rohit in more than half of them.
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 has received from two senior players behind the scenes.
Amid reports of rift between Gautam Gambhir and former captain Rana, he said that the atmosphere in the Indian camp is very positive. He also shared that the constant encouragement from experienced teammates has made him more confident on and off the field.
They always want youngsters to become better: Harshit Rana praises Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma
“It’s a big thing for me and also for the entire team. If such experienced players are with you in the dressing room and on the field, the atmosphere is good. At the moment, off the field – even in the dressing room – it’s a happy atmosphere for the entire team. Everyone wants to get better,” Harshit Rana was quoted as saying by ESPN Cricinfo on the eve of the Raipur ODI.
The young fast bowler further added, “In their (Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli) minds, they always want the youngsters to get better. For example, when I bowl, they always tell me how to bowl better. When a player gets such a good environment in the team, things automatically become good.”
“They’re always motivated – whether it’s good times or bad. They support you and tell you what next step you should take. As a youngster, it really helps you, because when you’re on the field – in pressure situations – they help you a lot.”
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Harshit Rana reveals his new ball trick 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 his decision right.
The Delhi player revealed that he has been working hard with Indian bowling coach Morne Morkel and picking up important tricks from Arshdeep Singh, who has been guiding him during the practice sessions. This gave confidence to Rana and the team management for this role.
Harshit Rana said, “With the new ball, I have practiced a lot with Morn [Morkel, the bowling coach]And also talked to Arshdeep a lot [Singh]He has a lot of experience and helps me in practice by telling me how I should bowl better,”
“In India, bowling is different because of the variations you have to rely on. In each phase, you have to bowl differently in different roles: sometimes attacking, sometimes defensive.”