Home
Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif is struggling to figure out Harshit Rana's strength following the pacer's performance in the second ODI against Australia at the Adelaide Oval. Rana clocked the bowling figures of 2/54 in his eight-over spell. While defending 265-run target Rana leaked runs when the team needed him to tether the Australia batters, which resulted in their two-wicket defeat in the second ODI, which also cost them the series 2-0 with a match to spare.
I can't figure out what Harshit Rana's strength is: Mohammad Kaif
Rana has been included in the playing XI over frontline pacer Prasidh Krishna for both matches in the series so far, suggesting India prioritized batting depth. However, the young bowler was far from convincing in either outing. In the rain-curtailed series opener in Perth, he ended with figures of 0-27 off four overs.
Kaif pointed out that most established Indian bowlers possess a particular strength or 'banker' delivery, citing examples like Jasprit Bumrah's yorkers or Mohammed Siraj's nip-backers. He noted with concern that Rana has yet to exhibit a signature, difficult delivery that could consistently trouble opposition batters and significantly contribute to the team's efforts.
"I'm following Harshit Rana a lot, but he does not have a strength delivery. It's not like he has a solid outswinger or an inswinger. When we speak about Siraj or Bumrah, they have their strengths, like their yorkers, pace, or slower ones. But I can't figure out what Harshit Rana's strength is. It's not like he bowls over 140. Play either one of Rana or Reddy, because both of them can't play together. Kuldeep Yadav sitting out for this is a clear injustice," Mohammad Kaif said on his YouTube channel.
"When the required rate is 9 or 10 runs per over, there Harshit Rana is effective because his strength is change of pace. But when batters are playing like Test cricket when the required rate is around 5 or 6 runs per over, the bowler has to bring more skills to outfox the batter when he is playing in 3rd gear," Kaif added.
Kuldeep Yadav would have won the match for India: Kaif
Rana, along with the entire Indian seam bowling unit, struggled with cramps throughout the second ODI in Adelaide. With only a one-day break separating the second match from the series finale, there are concerns about the physical recovery and fitness of the pace trio ahead of the third and final game.
Kaif also said that had Kuldeep Yadav got the chance, he could have had a major impact on the game, particularly against Australia's lower-middle order batters.
"If Kuldeep was in the team, I guarantee you 100 percent that India would have won this game. When Zampa can come in and change the game by dismissing some big names, when there was grip and turn from the surface, then think what Kuldeep could have done against this inexperienced Australian middle order. This is a do-or-die match, you are not playing him, and Zampa, who was not even there in the last match, returned and took the man of the match. Kuldeep Yadav is a thousand times better bowler than Adam Zampa," Kaif concluded.
India will look to prevent series sweep in the third ODI against Australia, which is slated to be played on October 25 in Sydney.
ADVERTISEMENT
