Shubman Gill indirectly hints at Harshit Rana's inclusion for 2027 ODI World Cup, says 'if we are looking at South Africa...'

After Harshit Rana's career-best bowling performance in the third ODI against Australia, skipper Shubman Gill suggested that Rana could be the solution to India's search for a bowling all-rounder, with 2027 ODI World Cup in mind. Gill stated that if the Delhi speedster can consistently contribute 20 to 25 runs with the bat, he could effectively slot into the crucial No. 8 position.

We have confidence in Harshit Rana: Shubman Gill

This interest in a specialist bowling all-rounder comes after the team's strategy in the first two ODIs proved problematic. With Nitish Kumar Reddy sidelined due to a quadriceps injury, the team's use of a batting all-rounder at No. 8, who lacked the bowling potency of a player like Hardik Pandya, was detrimental. Rana, the burly pacer from the Delhi outskirts, has shown potential with the bat, notably smashing 24 runs in the second game in Adelaide. This batting contribution has shifted the Indian captain's focus toward a bowler who can bat, rather than a batter who can merely roll his arm over.

"I think the No. 8 position for us, if a batsman can make 20-25 runs there, which we have confidence that Harshit can do it, then it becomes a very important position," Gill said at the post-match conference.

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Bowlers like Harshit Rana becomes very important: Gill

Gill highlighted that there are not many tall fast bowlers who possess the ability to consistently hit the deck hard and deliver those high-effort balls, which is precisely where Harshit Rana stands out. Gill emphasised the importance of Rana's unique profile, especially considering the pitches in South Africa, where the majority of the 2027 ODI World Cup will be hosted.

"There are very few fast bowlers who are tall, who can bowl 140-plus. So if we are looking at South Africa, on such wickets, such bowlers become very important. Because in the middle overs we saw that the ball doesn't move much off the wicket. So if you have a good height and pace, you can create chances. And I think that's what happened." Gill gave credit to the spinners for creating the pressure and Rana then took the wickets," Gill added.

"Australia got a very good start but the way our spinners bowled first, created pressure, and then Harshit bowled powerfully (effort balls) and I think he got a good reward for that," he concluded.

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Rana burnt bright with a splendid spell of 4/39 and didn't let Australian batter heave a sigh in relief even for a second. It was Rana's blitzkrieg which broke Australia's back and folded them for mere 236. Rohit Sharma's 121 and Virat Kohli's 74 did the rest as India chased down the target with nine wickets and 69 balls to spare.