Harshit Rana continues to grow as an ODI bowler, quietly delivering results despite facing constant criticism from all corners.
Despite facing relentless criticism for his inconsistent control and perceived favouritism, Harshit Rana has shown glimpse of perfection and abilities a fast bowler should have. The 23-year-old pacer has quietly built a compelling case in ODIs, claiming 19 wickets across nine matches at an impressive average of 20.89.
Rana’s ODI ledger tells a story of rapid ascent and calculated impact. Debuting against England on February 6, 2025, with figures of 3/53, he has since bowled 402 balls, conceding 397 runs while snaring 19 wickets, making him India’s leading wicket-taker in the format for 2025.
His best haul stands at 4/39, achieved during the Australia series, with an economy rate of 5.93 and a strike rate of 21.16. These numbers reflect not just volume but efficiency with consistent breakthroughs in the powerplay and death overs.
What sets Rana apart is his adaptability in limited-overs cricket. In nine outings, he has dismissed key openers and middle-order anchors, often swinging matches with early strikes. His batting contributions, though secondary, add value. 41 runs at a strike rate of 128.13, including an unbeaten 24, highlight his lower-order utility at No 8. Critics may point to occasional leaks, but his overall economy remains competitive against top pacers like Mohammed Siraj in similar exposure.
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Storm of criticism
Rana’s rise hasn’t been without turbulence. Since his international breakthrough last year, social media and former players have questioned his spot in the side, labelling him a “yes-man” to head coach Gautam Gambhir rather than a merit-based pick.
Ex-cricketer Krishnamachari Srikkanth sparked controversy by calling his selection “filmy gimmicks”, implying favouritism over proven performers, especially amid India’s packed pace options. This backlash intensified during the Australia tour, where early inconsistencies fuelled debates on his readiness for all formats.
Harshit Rana Shining against South Africa
Rana’s stock rose in the first ODI against South Africa on November 30, at Ranchi, where India won. Facing a Proteas lineup hungry for redemption after a Test series whitewash, he dismantled their top order with a dream opening over, dismissing Ryan Rickelton (0 off 1) and Quinton de Kock (0 off 2). This fiery spell, finishing with 3/65 in 10 overs, proved pivotal, as South Africa slumped to 11/3 before recovering to 332.
What made this performance stand out was Rana’s dual swing threat. He exploited Ranchi’s seam-friendly conditions by starting with an outswinger to Rickelton from around the wicket, drawing a fatal edge with late movement away from the left-hander. Switching to inswing for de Kock, he targeted the stumps with a skiddy inswinger that nipped back sharply, crashing into the middle to send the opener packing.
Later, Rana added a slower bouncer to remove Dewald Brevis (37 off 28), blending pace with deception. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak credited these early blows for tilting the game, noting, “Without Harshit’s wickets, defending 350 in dew would have been tough.” This versatility, inswing to trap, outswing to induce edges, showcased his growth beyond raw speed.
On his YouTube show ‘Ash ki Baat’, former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin also highlighted Rana’s progress, noting that what really stood out was the outswing he was getting to right-handed batters. “What really stood out for me was Rana’s ability to get the outswing to right-handers. He’s usually known for swinging the ball back in, so seeing this variation is very encouraging for both him and the team.”
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This is brilliant stuff from Harshit Rana. Making the new ball talk 👏
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) November 30, 2025
Arsenal of modern pacer
At 6 ‘3″, Harshit Rana‘s towering frame and high-arm release point generate awkward bounce, making him a nightmare on lively tracks. His pace hovers around 140kmph, but it’s the variety that intrigues – searing yorkers in the death, sharp bouncers to unsettle, and cunning slower balls. In ODIs, this toolkit has yielded breakthroughs, though he occasionally strays, leaking runs at more than six per over when swing deserts him.
He’s not flawless, over-reliance on the short ball can backfire, as seen in Australia where half-trackers were dispatched. Yet, his promise lies in evolution. Gambhir’s faith stems from this potential as the dressing room sees a fighter who repays trust with game-changing spells.
Why can Harshit Rana be a reliable bet?
In a pace unit craving depth after Jasprit Bumrah’s injuries, Rana’s performances paint a reliable picture. Against South Africa, he orchestrated, using inswing and outswing to flip momentum.
White-ball future demands bowlers who swing both ways and bat a little. Rana delivers on both counts, albeit sporadically. With more ODIs and the World Cup 2027 ahead, expect the critics to quieten as his wicket-tally rises.
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