Harshit Rana on Saturday at the Sydney Cricket Ground, took the criticism and debate that followed his selection online for days due to his performance. The young pacer who was picked over Arshdeep Singh scored a memorable 4-wicket haul for 39 runs in his career, and thus India was saved from a 3-0 series loss against Australia. Rana, with his unpolished speed, height of the delivery, and calmness under pressure, not only proved Gautam Gambhir right but also made a strong statement that he is a viable option for the future in India's pace attack, which is getting stronger by the day.
From criticism to comeback: Harshit Rana’s redemption in Sydney
The debate over Rana’s selection had been brewing for days, with many questioning his inclusion ahead of Arshdeep Singh and branding him a “Gambhir favourite.” But on Saturday, the Delhi pacer made his critics eat their words. He struck early, removing Alex Carey with a sharp bouncer before dismissing Mitchell Owen with a 141.8 kmph delivery that jagged back viciously. He later sent back Cooper Connolly and Josh Hazlewood to cap off a fiery spell that turned the game in India’s favour.
Former India pacer Varun Aaron praised the youngster’s control and variation. “Once he perfects the slower ball, Rana can build his entire game around it. There was a big difference between his first and second spells — that’s maturity,” Aaron said on the post-match show.
The spell also served as poetic justice after former players Mohammad Kaif and Kris Srikkanth questioned his selection and skill set. Gambhir, who had earlier defended Rana against “unfair social media attacks,” was vindicated as his protégé delivered when it mattered most.
With four wickets, renewed confidence, and an attitude to match, Harshit Rana’s Sydney show could well mark the beginning of a new chapter in India’s pace bowling story.
