Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar lavished praise on Harshit Rana after the speedster was included in the Shubman Gill-led side's playing XI for the first ODI against New Zealand at BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara. Notably, Harshit picked up two crucial wickets of Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls conceeding 65 runs in his 10-over quota.
Manjrekar on Harshit Rana
Manjrekar believes that Harshit is one of the finds of the Indian Team because he can in all phases of the game. The cricketer turned presenter recalled his performance against South Africa.
"Harshit Rana is one of the FINDS of the Indian team as far as the bowling is concerned. He can bowl in all phases of the game. Against South Africa, we saw how he exploits the new ball really well against experienced batters, and when we returns for his second or third spells, he uses his T20 skillset to set up dismissals of batters who are looking to take bowlers on. All in all, he adds to the wicket-taking ability that Indian seamers have been lacking in the middle overs. So, by his inclusion, the Indian bowling lineup seems quite complete."
Harshit Rana made his ODI debut against England in November 2025 and played 11 matches, including the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He picked up 21 wickets in his 11 outings.
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India vs New Zealand 1st ODI
India’s bowlers, led by pacers Harshit Rana and Mohammed Siraj, kept things tight with disciplined line and length, but Daryl Mitchell’s half-century helped New Zealand post a competitive 300 for 8 in the first ODI. Harshit Rana made an early impact by removing openers Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls in quick time, breaking a strong 117-run opening stand that had put New Zealand on a solid footing.
Siraj also chipped in with important wickets, dismissing Will Young and cleaning up Zak Foulkes towards the end. However, Mitchell held the innings together with a well-paced knock of 84 from 71 balls, hitting five fours and three sixes. India need 301 to take 1-0 lead in the three-match series.