Sydney, Oct 26: Harshit Rana finally found his rhythm on Saturday, producing a career-defining spell as India crushed Australia by nine wickets in the final ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The 23-year-old Delhi pacer claimed his maiden four-wicket haul in One-Day Internationals, silencing critics and vindicating the faith shown in him by head coach Gautam Gambhir.
Both Rana and Gambhir had been under immense scrutiny before the game. After conceding 86 runs for just two wickets across the first two ODIs, Rana’s place in the team was being questioned, while Gambhir faced flak for continuing to back the youngster despite his inconsistency.
A stern pre-match talk from the head coach — which included a clear ultimatum to “perform or sit out” — seemed to do the trick. Rana responded with fire, generating pace and bounce on the SCG track to dismantle the Australian batting order, finishing with figures of 4 for 43 as India bowled out the hosts for 236.
Gambhir later reiterated his support, saying, “Rana is 23. Let’s give him some time.”
The performance also came as a fitting answer to critics like former India cricketer Kris Srikkanth, who had accused the selection panel of favouritism. Defending the youngster, Harshit Rana’s coach Sharvan lashed out at Srikkanth, urging ex-players not to “scrutinise any kid for YouTube visibility.”
With the pressure eased and confidence restored, Rana will look to carry his momentum into the upcoming five-match T20I series against Australia, starting next week.
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