Here to stay? Shubman Gill Drops Huge Harshit Rana Hint Amid Trolls and Show Loss | Cricket News

Indian skipper Shubman Gill believes Harshit Rana could emerge as a key all-rounder for the team if he continues to contribute useful runs down the order. The Delhi pacer starred in the third ODI against Australia, taking a career-best four wickets as India completed a nine-wicket victory in Sydney.

“With the No. 8 position, if a batsman can take 20-25 runs there, which we are confident Harshit can do, then it becomes a very important position,” Gill said in the post-match press conference. Rana had scored 24 runs in the second ODI in Adelaide, showing his potential with the bat. Gill highlighted Rana’s attributes as a tall fast bowler, capable of hitting hard on the deck, describing him as a valuable asset, especially on pitches like those in South Africa. “There are very few fast bowlers who are tall, capable of bowling over 140. So, if we look at South Africa, on such wickets, these bowlers become very important,” he said.The ODI series against South Africa is scheduled to begin on November 30, with matches scheduled in Ranchi, Raipur and Vishakhapatnam. The skipper also credited the Indian spinners for building pressure before Rana struck. “Australia got off to a very good start but the way our spinners bowled first created pressure and then Harshit bowled with power (effort balls) and I think he got a good reward for that,” Gill said. Despite finishing the series without a half-century, Gill said he was not too concerned about his own batting form. “In the first match, I got out on the leg side. So, I don’t think too much about my batting. Sometimes that happens. You obviously want to perform for the team in every match, but I’m not too worried about my performance,” he added.

Rana’s performance, combined with his batting contributions, could make him a candidate for a regular role at No. 8 in the upcoming series, as India look to balance their team with a bowling all-rounder who can provide depth in both departments. The third ODI victory capped a series where India lost 2-1, but the emergence of players like Rana gives Gill confidence for the next challenges ahead. The pacer, with his six wickets, also topped the list for most wickets in the three-match series. The player, who faced a lot of criticism and trolls online, also responded with an Instagram post summarizing his mindset and reaction to the victory. “Not just a victory, a declaration of unity, belief and teamwork. Eleven players. A heartbeat,” the pacer said after finishing the series as the highest wicket-taker with six scalps.