New Delhi: Being one of the three uncapped players in India’s 18-member squad for the upcoming five-match Test series in Australia, Harshit Rana knows he is now only a step away from realising his dream.
Having been with the squad on all assignments since IPL 2024, Rana believes it will help him on the demanding tour Down Under where he, Abhimanyu Easwaran and Nitish Kumar Reddy will travel with the senior team for the first time.
“I have been with the Indian team continuously since the IPL and I have learnt a lot of things there. This lesson is not only about cricket, but also about life, how a sportsperson advances in his career and life. Even as a cricketer, I have grown a lot by being with the Indian team,” Rana was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.
After claiming 19 wickets in 13 IPL 2024 matches at an average of 20.15, the right armer received his maiden call-up to the Indian team for the T20Is in Zimbabwe, followed by berth is squads for the Sri Lanka tour and in the team for the T20Is against Bangladesh.
Though the 22-year-old wasn’t included in the playing XI, he was among reserves for the opening two Tests of the ongoing home Tests against New Zealand.
“Only when the team was announced did I know I was going to Australia,” Rana said. “But I had indications that I might be selected for the Australia tour because they had me with the team to prepare. Being selected for Australia tour is a big deal for me.
“The kind of competitive attitude I like to play cricket with on the field is very similar to Australia’s. It was my father’s dream that I play a Test against England sometime at Lord’s, but I personally like Australia more. I am proud of myself, that my name came up for this tour.”
Owe it to Gambhir
Rana has taken the spell on the bench in his stride and gone back to the grind of domestic wickets, claiming a five-wicket haul for Delhi in their ongoing Ranji Trophy match against Assam.
He said that guidance of Gautam Gambhir, as mentor of Kolkata Knight Riders, helped him develop a lot. He also benefitted from inputs of India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel.
“Gambhir bhaiyya has always backed me and if I have to ask anything, I always go to him and talk to him and he always gives me the right guidance. Under him, I have grown a lot in the IPL and he has taught me a lot of things.”
“Morne takes a lot of care about our bowling. He is completely involved with the bowlers and keeps watching who is doing what in the nets,” he added.
“He keeps telling us what we have to do next ball. It’s a very good thing and then you also have an idea of what you should do on the next ball. The only thing he tells me is that every bowler should know what he wants to achieve with every practice session.”
Bowling to skipper Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli ans sharing information with pace spearheads Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj is also of immense help, Rana said.
