The path taken by Indian fast bowler Harshit Rana from the streets of Delhi to his first-ever India ODI call-up is evidence of his perseverance and hard work. In the forthcoming series, the 22-year-old speedster will bat with cricket greats Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
Rana’s journey to success wasn’t easy. Raised in the South Extension of Delhi, he experienced several disappointments and missed out on chances in age-group teams. But his big break came in the last IPL season, when he grabbed 19 wickets for the Kolkata Knight Riders and attracted the attention of the selectors. When Rana looks back on his path, he recognises three key players: his father Pradeep, personal coach Amit Bhandari, and—above all—Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir.
“My father for his efforts, my personal coach Amit Bhandari sir (former India and Delhi pacer), and above everyone else Gauti bhaiyya (Gautam Gambhir) are the three people to whom I owe gratitude on this wonderful journey of mine,” News18 cited Rana as saying.
Gauti bhaiyya’s presence in the KKR dressing room is much to blame: Harshit Rana
It is impossible to overestimate Gautam Gambhir’s influence on Harshit Rana’s mental strategy for the game. The youthful speedster gained confidence from the former Indian opener in the recent cash-rich league.
“My perspective on the game has shifted, and a big part of the reason for that is Gauti bhaiyya’s influence in the KKR locker room and how he altered my thinking. At the top level, having the right heart to withstand pressure is just as important as having the right skills. I used to hear Gauti bhaiyya say, “Mere ko tere pe trust hai.” Tu match aayega jeetake. Recalling his conversations with the recently appointed head coach of India, Rana said, “(I trust you, you can win the match).”
Especially in white-ball cricket, Rana has been outstanding, claiming 22 wickets in 14 Vijay Hazare Trophy games and 28 in 25 Twenty20 matches. His ability to carry out important deliveries demonstrates his development as a bowler. Amit Bhandari and Narinder Singh Negi, the young pacer’s particular tutors, have helped him refine his abilities even further. Inspired by Rana’s commitment, Bhandari tried to improve the alignment and bowling action of his stroke.
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Regarding the pressure aspect, Gautam Gambhir’s advise is relevant. “What’s the worst thing that will happen?” he would ask. We might lose the match if you get hit. But how will you conquer your anxieties if you don’t confront them? “Rana continued.
“I was unaware of this boy’s identity. He had really played Ranji Trophy instead of KKR when he approached me. All he did was phone and ask, “Sir, could you please train me?” I observed a decent run-up, but everything needed some work following load-up until he reached the crease. He was prepared to work with his non-bowling hand in alignment, according to Bhandari.
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