International pedigree allows Harshit Rana add new facets to his game
From the way he has operated this series against South Africa-A, India-A pacer Harshit Rana seems to have developed a firm grasp of what needs to be done and when. Call it skill or the impact of recent international exposure, but there’s a reason he’s rated highly.
In the two one-dayers at the Niranjan Shah Stadium, the pitch hasn’t been as flat as usual. The ball has come on nicely, but conditions have favoured bowlers willing to take the pace off. Cutters have gripped just enough to make shot-making uncertain.
Rana has adapted smartly across both games. As the third seamer, he begins in the 10-20 over phase, relying largely on the pace he generates, with his off-cutter serving as a reliable variation.
Across the 15 overs he has bowled in the series, his spells have featured a steady mix of bouncers, off-cutters, and pace-on deliveries targeting the stumps – his go-to option. On one instance, he squared up left-hander Jordan Hermann with an off-cutter after beating him with a quick bouncer the previous delivery.
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The variations have made him tough to predict. The numbers back it up: an economy of 4.67 and five wickets from two games, including three for 21 in the second match, where he wrecked the South African middle order.
According to his childhood coach, Shravan Kumar, Rana’s strength lies in his ability to bowl at pace for a long time, but his accuracy still needs fine-tuning. “He can bowl long spells, no doubt. But he still has to work hard on his accuracy and consistency. At the international level, those things make all the difference. You have to keep improving.”
Shravan, who also coached Ishant Sharma, has watched Rana since his school days at Ganga International School, where he still coaches. He believes Rana has the raw material to become a quality fast bowler, but says sustained success will depend on his fitness.
“I feel he needs to work on his fitness, especially his upper body. Otherwise, it’ll be tough for him to play for a long time. There are so many professional coaches around now, so he needs to work closely with them,” he said.
Since making his India debut across formats, Rana has faced criticism from pundits – some even accusing head coach Gautam Gambhir of favouritism. The noise grew loud enough that Gambhir addressed it directly in a recent press conference.
Rana’s returns so far have been steady, if not spectacular: four wickets in two Tests, 16 in eight ODIs, and five in five T20Is.
Shravan feels the scrutiny should push Rana to raise his game. “When you’re playing at the international level, you have to cope with criticism. That stops only when you prove why you belong there. Criticism is important – it helps a player improve. You have to take it positively.”
In the recent T20 series in Australia, Rana was promoted to No.7 ahead of designated all-rounder Shivam Dube in the second match. He made 35 off 33 balls, adding 56 off 47 with Abhishek Sharma for the sixth wicket.
The 23-year-old has long been regarded as a capable No. 8 batter. His top score – 122 not out in a Duleep Trophy match for North Zone against North East Zone in 2023 – underlines that potential.
On the eve of the second one-dayer against South Africa-A, he spent more than 40 minutes practicing six-hitting in the nets, sending several into the stands. In the first game, he finished the 286-run chase with a pulled six over midwicket off his second delivery, walking in during the final over.
“He can bat, but I wouldn’t call him an all-rounder yet. To become an all-rounder, you need a proper understanding of the game as a batter – you need to use your mind,” Shravan said. “Only when he develops that game sense can he be called an all-rounder,” he concluded.
Published on Nov 17, 2025
