Young India pacer Harshit Rana gave appreciation to skipper Jasprit Bumrah and star batter Virat Kohli for their unwavering support during the current Perth Test match against Australia, which was crucial to his outstanding debut. The 22-year-old made a big impression with a vital 3/48 spell that helped India take control of the game. He made his debut with all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy in the high-stakes Border Gavaskar Trophy opener.
Rana on Bumrah and Kohli
During the post-Day 2 press conference, Rana thanked Bumrah and Kohli for their support, highlighting how their counsel gave him more self-assurance and enabled him to overcome the difficulties posed by the Australian batters and the Perth surface. The pacer, who got rid of important players like the dangerous Travis Head, disclosed how the experienced players helped him stay focused under duress by giving him advice on his lines, lengths, and mental approach.
"Jassi bhai (Jasprit Bumrah) kept telling me what to do and Virat bhai also gave advice. These things helps a lot. Jassi Bhai or Virat bhai, whoever came on, they kept giving me inputs as to what should be done in bowling, where to put the ball, where not to put it. So that thing brought a different confidence in myself that 'yes they are telling me then I will do well'," Rana said.
After the team's batters struggled on Day 1 and only managed 150 runs, India's bowlers altered the tide of the match. Australia was bowled out for just 104 thanks to a collective bowling masterpiece that included Mohammed Siraj's 2/20 and Rana's three wickets, while Bumrah led the charge with an incredible 5/30. Australia's chances of gaining any momentum were severely hampered by Rana's sacking of Travis Head, who had been playing well before the series.
Opening batters KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal restored India's batting fortunes on Day 2 with an undefeated 172-run stand. Rahul silenced detractors with a calm and undefeated 62, while Jaiswal approached his first Test century on Australian soil, demonstrating both players' tenacity and versatility. A dramatic third day was built up by their efforts, which enabled India to build a commanding 218-run advantage by stumps.
The visitors are now in a commanding position. Rana's outstanding debut along with the combined skill of India's bowling attack, and the return of the openers ensured it. Under the leadership of legends like Bumrah and Kohli, Rana's performance showed the team's capacity to develop new talent under duress in addition to showcasing his potential.
