Overview:
He credited clear communication and belief from senior players for boosting his confidence.
Young Indian fast bowler Harshit Rana has spoken about the Indian team’s long-term vision to make him an all-rounder in one-day internationals. Following his strong showing against New Zealand, Rana revealed that the coaching staff has advised him to improve his batting skills and step up with crucial runs whenever the match situation requires.
The 23-year-old confirmed that the support staff view him as more than just a strike bowler, with an eye on his ability to chip in with crucial runs. He credited clear communication and belief from senior players for boosting his confidence.
“The management wants to groom me as an all-rounder, and it’s up to me to keep improving in that role,” Rana said.
“I’ve been putting in the hard work, including extra time in the nets. A lot of it was about confidence. The backing from my teammates made a big difference when I went out to bat, and once I trusted that, the runs followed.” Rana further said.
“In terms of my batting role, the plan is for me to come in at number eight as an all-rounder. That’s why I spend as much time as I can working on my batting in the nets.”
The hosts looked comfortable with Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer in the middle, compiling a solid 77-run stand, before a sudden collapse handed New Zealand a chance to come back into the game. Kohli’s dismissal on 93, followed by Ravindra Jadeja, opened a window for New Zealand to dominate the game.
Rana’s promotion above Washington Sundar at No.7 drew some initial surprise, considering the latter’s proven finishing skills. The call was later clarified when it was revealed that Sundar was suffered a minor injury, forcing a change in the batting sequence.
“I’m confident I can contribute 30 to 40 runs batting at number seven, and the backing from the team and management reinforces that belief,” he mentioned.
“When there’s trust, it creates a healthy dressing-room atmosphere. Seniors support you, younger players feed off that positivity, and once the environment clicks, performances begin to fall into place on the field,” he concluded.
Rana backed the team’s decision in style, making an impact in both disciplines. He removed Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls with the ball, and later added a valuable 29 from 23 deliveries, striking two fours and a maximum. His counter-attacking knock helped release the pressure, allowing KL Rahul to steer India to a win.
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