India veteran wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul revealed his on-field role in mentoring Harshit Rana during the tense chase in the first ODI against New Zealand at the BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara. Rahul and Harshit stitched a crucial 37-run partnership in the closing stage of the run chase.
KL Rahul and Harshit Rana's conversation while batting
Rahul, who finished the proceedings with a six, revealed that he was calming the youngster and guiding him through the pressure situation.
"Batting with Harshit Rana in the final overs was fun. I had to calm him down. He kept asking me to remind him not to try and hit a six every ball, because that was his mindset. I had to settle him. He is new to ODIs and hasn't played many games," Rahul said on JioHotstar.
KL Rahul on Harshit Rana's potential
Harshit Rana, who made his ODI debut before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, has become one of the most important members of the Indian dressing room. KL Rahul also highlighted Rana's growing reputation within the team. Rahul added that the dressing room is fully aware of the youngster's potential.
"We have all seen his potential. He batted well in Australia and has played crucial knocks for the team. The dressing room sees his potential and wants him to develop into a great cricketer, the kind of player every team wants to have in their squad," he said.
KL Rahul's strategy for chasing
KL Rahul also revealed his strategy during the chase. Rahul said the focus was on minimising risk once Rana found his rhythm.
"Once he hit a few boundaries, I told him we weren't chasing much. We aimed for one boundary an over, took one calculated risk, and then tried to get me back on strike," he said.
India vs New Zealand 1st ODI
India defeated New Zealand by four wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Shubman Gill-led side ost momentum after Virat Kohli was dismissed for 93, but KL Rahul's calm and composed 29 not out off 21 balls sealed the victory for India in the second last over. India chased down 301 runs in the second last over of the innings with Rahul and Washington Sundar putting up a decent partnership to seal the win.