Harshit Rana Destroys My Bowling! India Star Admits

By Harshit - Nov 01, 2025 01:51 PM
Last updated on Nov 01, 2025 01:51 PM

Team India’s second T20I clash at the Melbourne Cricket Ground turned into an inspiring story of resilience, adaptability, and camaraderie between young guns Abhishek Sharma and Harshit Rana. In a tense situation where the Indian top order collapsed early, the duo rose to the occasion, stitching a crucial partnership that helped India post a respectable total. The match may not have gone India’s way, but it became a talking point for one surprising reason — Harshit Rana’s fearless promotion up the batting order and his unexpected fireworks with the bat.

It’s not every day that a fast bowler becomes the star of the show with the bat, but Harshit Rana did exactly that at the MCG. Known for his pace and aggression with the ball, Rana showcased an entirely different skill set under pressure — controlled stroke play and composure beyond his experience. His 35-run knock in a tricky situation gave India the momentum they needed, while Abhishek Sharma’s explosive 68 ensured that the innings didn’t collapse completely.

This partnership between Abhishek and Harshit was more than just about runs; it was about belief. It reflected the new spirit of Indian cricket — one where every player, regardless of their designated role, is expected to contribute when it matters. The moment also gave fans a new perspective on Harshit Rana’s potential as an all-rounder and his value in India’s evolving T20 setup.

Abhishek Sharma Praises Harshit Rana’s Batting Skills

Following the match, Abhishek Sharma spoke highly of his batting partner, recalling their countless net sessions together where Rana would often hit him for massive sixes. His lighthearted revelation — “He hits sixes off me a lot in the nets” — quickly went viral, giving fans a glimpse of the confidence the young pacer carries with the bat.

“When Harshit walked out ahead of Shivam Dube, I wasn’t surprised,” said Abhishek during the post-match presentation. “He told me, ‘Let’s play a little normal,’ and that calmed things down. The right-left combination also worked well for us. I knew he could bat; he has done it so many times in practice.”

The duo added 56 crucial runs for the sixth wicket, rescuing India from 49/5 to a far more stable position. Harshit’s knock wasn’t just about survival — he struck with authority, picking gaps and clearing the ropes when needed. His composure, coupled with Abhishek’s aggressiveness, created the perfect balance to withstand Australia’s fierce bowling attack.

Harshit Rana’s Promotion: A Tactical Masterstroke

Rana’s promotion to No. 6 raised eyebrows initially, as many expected Shivam Dube to take that spot. However, the decision turned out to be a masterstroke by the Indian team management. Rana’s inclusion over Arshdeep Singh had already been justified due to his lower-order batting potential, and this innings solidified that confidence.

Although he couldn’t contribute much with the ball — remaining wicketless in his two overs — his batting performance overshadowed that shortcoming. It showed that the management’s decision wasn’t just experimental but well-thought-out, aimed at giving flexibility and depth to India’s lineup.

Rana’s ability to stay calm under pressure, build partnerships, and pick the right deliveries to attack earned him widespread praise from teammates and fans alike. The innings also hinted at his potential future as a reliable bowling all-rounder, an asset that modern T20 sides desperately seek.

Abhishek Sharma Shines Despite Collapse

While Harshit’s heroics drew attention, Abhishek Sharma was undoubtedly India’s standout performer with the bat. His 68 off 37 balls was a blend of timing, placement, and aggression — hallmarks of a confident young opener who thrives under pressure. Against Australia’s formidable pace trio led by Josh Hazlewood, Abhishek looked unfazed.

Even as wickets kept falling around him, Abhishek continued playing his natural game. His array of strokes through the off-side, including elegant drives and daring lofts, electrified the MCG crowd. It was a performance that not only showcased his raw talent but also his mental maturity, especially given the conditions and opposition.

Abhishek’s half-century came in just 23 balls, marking his debut at the iconic venue with flair. His innings was a reminder of India’s growing pool of fearless young batters who can adapt to global conditions without hesitation.

“I Try to Bring the Bowler Under Pressure”: Abhishek Reflects

In his post-match interview, Abhishek reflected on his aggressive batting mindset, crediting the team management and captain for their unwavering support. “When I play, I try to bring the bowler under pressure,” he said. “This approach has its ups and downs, but my captain and coach have always supported me.”

He added that the clarity and backing he receives from the dressing room help him play freely without the fear of failure. “They are clear that I should play my natural game, and when they say that, it gives me confidence,” he noted.

Such words from a youngster reflect a positive and fearless culture within the Indian setup — one where players are encouraged to express themselves. This confidence translated directly into his performance against one of the world’s best bowling attacks.

India’s Batting Struggles Continue, But Positives Emerge

Despite the eventual total of just 125, India’s batting displayed glimpses of promise. Apart from Abhishek and Harshit, the rest of the lineup faltered against disciplined Australian bowling. The middle order’s inconsistency continues to be a concern ahead of major tournaments, but the rise of players like Rana offers a silver lining.

India’s think tank has been experimenting with player roles, focusing on developing multidimensional cricketers. The match at MCG highlighted how those experiments, even if risky, can yield encouraging results. Harshit Rana’s fearless attitude, in particular, fits perfectly into India’s vision of aggressive, modern cricket.

With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, performances like these could influence squad selections and team strategies. Having players capable of contributing in multiple facets of the game is a luxury India seems determined to cultivate.

Looking Ahead: The Rise of Harshit Rana

Harshit Rana’s journey is quickly becoming one of Indian cricket’s most exciting stories. From being a raw pacer with promise to now being recognized as a capable lower-order batter, his evolution reflects the changing face of modern cricket. His confidence, combined with humility, has made him a fan favorite.

With consistent performances, Rana could soon establish himself as India’s go-to fast-bowling all-rounder, providing balance to the lineup and easing the burden on traditional finishers. The MCG innings was more than a cameo — it was a statement of intent.

As India continues to blend youth and experience, the Abhishek-Harshit partnership could serve as a glimpse of the team’s future. Their chemistry, belief, and aggression symbolize a new era of Indian cricket — fearless, adaptable, and unafraid of any challenge, no matter how big the stage.

Also Read: India’s Road to Glory: ICC Women’s World Cup Final 2025

« Previous India’s Road to Glory: ICC Women’s World Cup Final 2025

Next » IND vs AUS 3rd T20I Pitch Report, Bellerive Oval, Ninja Stadium stats and record