23-year-old Harshit Rana is one of the most-backed players in recent times. While many have accused head coach Gautam Gambhir of favouritism, others have tried to find reason why Rana has been given the long rope. Finally, Rana gave it back to the critics with his stunning four-wicket haul in the third ODI against Australia at Sydney Cricket Ground. While Rana has been termed as Gambhir’s ‘Yes Man’ by former chief selector Kris Srikkanth, the youngster’s childhood coach, Sharvan, said that he got an ultimatum on the Australia tour. The coach revealed his conversation with Rana where he revealed the stern words of Gambhir.
"He called me and told me that he wanted to shut the outside noise with his performance. I just said, believe in yourself. I know some cricketers say he is close to Gambhir. But Gambhir knows how to identify talent, and he backs them. He has backed a lot of cricketers, and they have done wonders for their team. He in fact scolded Harshit badly. He told him directly, ‘perform kar, warna bahar bitha dunga.’ He sends a clear message to whoever you are," Sharvan.
"Rana is 23. Let’s give him some time," he added.
Rana bowled 8.4 overs, conceded 39 runs and got four wickets. His scalps included three middle-order batters — Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly and Mitchell Owen. He helped India bowl out Australia for 236 after Mitchell Marsh won the toss and opted to bat first.
Sharvan’s stern message to former cricketers who criticised him on YouTube
Sharvan hit back at Rana’s harsh critic Srikkanth. He does not want the youngster to be scrutinised on YouTube.
"First Krishnamachari Srikkanth took the case of this kid. After retirements, cricketers have started their YouTube channels to earn, but please don’t scrutinise any kid who just started. They have the right to guide, scold, but please don’t say anything for your YouTube channel’s visibility," Sharvan said.
Rana finished the series as the highest wicket-taker. He picked up six wickets at an average of 20.83. His economy rate was just over six runs per over.
Will Rana retain his place in T20I Playing XI?
Rana is likely to be seen in action in the five-T20I series starting on October 29 at Canberra, Manuka Oval. However, it is yet to be seen whether he retains his place with Jasprit Bumrah joining the T20I side. In addition to Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, India will have another pace-bowling option in Shivam Dube. If Nitish Kumar Reddy recovers, he will be another pace-bowling option.