Harshit Rana was praised for his bowling in first ODI in Ranchi.
Harshit Rana stated that he ignores all outside sounds since they interfere with his ability to play cricket freely. During Gambhir's tenure, the 23-year-old fast bowler made his India debut in all forms, beginning with the Perth Test during last year's Australia tour.
While his performances have not made a significant impact across forms, Rana has garnered great support from India's head coach.
“If I start listening to all these things, put them in my mind, and take the field, I won't be able to play cricket. I try to avoid as much as possible. I just pay attention to what I have to do on the ground. I don't care about what is happening outside or what someone is saying about me. I just focus on my hard work and what I am going to do on the ground,” Rana told reporters ahead of India's training session in Raipur ahead of the second ODI.
Harshit Rana laid the foundation for India’s win in Ranchi by dismissing Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock in the same over and finished with 3/65 as India won the game by 17 runs.
The right-arm pacer revealed that he is working with India's bowling coaches, Morne Morkel and Arshdeep Singh, to improve his skills with the new ball. He also added that with the new rule about one ball after the 34th over, the Indian team considers which of the two balls is getting older before selecting one.
“With the new ball, I am practicing a lot with Morne (Morkel), and I keep talking to Arshdeep a lot. I feel that Arshdeep has a lot of experience, and he keeps helping and guiding me during practice.
You know that bowlers do not get so much help in today's cricket, so this rule is very helpful for us, and it is always on the mind to see which ball is getting older. And everyone is involved in choosing that ball,” he said.
Rana said the presence of Indian superstars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma has been very helpful in his development.
“It's a big deal for me and, obviously, for the whole team because if such experienced players stay with you in the field and in the dressing room, then the environment of the team is very good. (Even) if you are in the dressing room, it's a happy environment for the whole team,” Rana stated.
(PTI inputs)