[WATCH] Gautam Gambhir Sends Two-Word Message to Harshit Rana After India vs Australia 3rd ODI - Fans React

India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, displayed tough love and affection for his right-arm pacer, Harshit Rana, as the latter enjoyed his special performance during the third ODI of the three-match series between India and Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

The Indian cricket team relied on Rana’s fiery spell, where he played a key role in India’s victory by picking four wickets for 39 runs and restricting the Australian batting lineup to just 236 runs.

Harshit Rana had a tough start to the Australia tour, struggling with his line and length in the first two ODIs at the Optus Stadium in Perth and the Adelaide Oval. His hard lengths and wide deliveries were punished by Australian batsmen, putting pressure on the young Indian pacer. However, the Indian team management, led by Gautam Gambhir, continued to show confidence in the youngster. Their decision to rest left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh for the final ODI paid off, as Rana’s impressive comeback performance helped India clinch the series in style.

See Also: [WATCH] “One last time…”- Rohit Sharma drops bombshell message on social media

“Special mention to Harshit, that was an outstanding spell. What I want to say is stay humble, stay grounded, keep working hard. It’s just the start.” The current Indian head coach, Gautam Gambhir, expressed in a video posted by BCCI TV after the end of the third 50-over clash in Sydney.

Watch: “Stay humbled”- Gautam Gambhir’s advice to Harshit Rana post AUS vs IND Sydney ODI

The Delhi pacer, Harshit Rana, aged 23, has showcased his growing potential across all formats of international cricket for the Indian cricket team. In Test matches, he has picked up four wickets in three innings at an average of 50.75.

In the One Day Internationals (ODIs), Rana has been more impressive, claiming 16 wickets in eight innings of the 50-over format at an average of 20.75, a strike rate of 21.3, and an economy rate of 5.82. Meanwhile, in the T20 International (T20I) format, the young Indian fast bowler has taken five wickets in three matches at an economy rate of 10.18.

Under the mentorship of head coach Gautam Gambhir, Rana has continued to evolve as one of India’s most promising right-arm pacers in the current India vs Australia series.

“First, Krishnamachari Srikkanth took the case of this kid. After retirement, cricketers have started their YouTube channels to earn a living, but please don’t scrutinize any kid who has just started. They have the right to guide, scold, but please don’t say anything to increase your YouTube channel’s visibility.” Rana’s childhood coach, Shravan Kumar, told the Times of India.

Before the Australia tour, former Indian opening batter Kris Srikkanth had stirred controversy by alleging that Harshit Rana was selected for the Indian cricket team, also known as the Men in Blue, because he was a “yes man” to head coach Gautam Gambhir.

However, the young Delhi pacer has silenced critics with his on-field performances and proven his capability in various phases of the game. His consistent bowling spells, sharp pace, and aggression have made him one of the rising stars in India’s pace attack during the ongoing India vs Australia ODI series.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Why did Gautam Gambhir give a two-word message to Harshit Rana after the IND vs AUS 3rd ODI?
Gautam Gambhir, the current head coach of the Indian cricket team, shared a two-word message with Harshit Rana after the 3rd ODI against Australia to appreciate his match-winning performance. The gesture highlighted Gambhir’s tough-love coaching approach and his belief in the young pacer’s potential.

2. How did Harshit Rana perform in the IND vs AUS ODI series?
Harshit Rana delivered an impressive performance in the India vs Australia ODI series, especially in the third match at the Sydney Cricket Ground. He took four wickets for 39 runs, helping India restrict Australia to 236 and secure the series victory.

3. What were Harshit Rana’s overall bowling stats in international cricket?
As of now, Harshit Rana has picked up four wickets in three Test innings, 16 wickets in eight ODI innings at an average of 20.75, and five wickets in three T20I matches with an economy rate of 10.18, showing steady progress across all formats.

4. What did Kris Srikkanth say about Harshit Rana’s selection in the Indian team?
Before the Australia tour, former India opener Kris Srikkanth criticised Harshit Rana’s selection, alleging that he was chosen because of his loyalty to head coach Gautam Gambhir. However, Rana’s strong on-field performances have silenced such claims, proving his merit.

5. How has Gautam Gambhir influenced Harshit Rana’s career so far?
Under Gautam Gambhir’s mentorship, Harshit Rana has evolved as one of India’s most promising young pacers. Gambhir’s guidance and confidence in him, even after early struggles in Perth and Adelaide, played a key role in Rana’s comeback performance in Sydney.