Overview
- Harshit Rana said the Gautam Gambhir-led management has asked him to develop into an all-rounder, noting he is working on the role and confident of contributing 30–40 lower-order runs when needed.
- In the Vadodara opener against New Zealand, Rana broke a 117-run stand between Henry Nicholls and Devon Conway, then hit 29 off 23 in a 37-run partnership with KL Rahul as India won by four wickets.
- Analysts credit Gambhir’s continued backing of Rana to a preference for wicket-taking intent over strict economy, betting on impactful bursts and usable batting at No. 8.
- Rana’s ODI resume over the past year features recurring strike spells across conditions, including a three-wicket debut in Nagpur, a four-wicket haul in Sydney, a two-wicket spell in Adelaide, and three in Ranchi.
- Selectors and observers still highlight the need for improved consistency and economy across longer ODI spells, with the second match of the series set for January 14 in Rajkot.