Overview
- Rana took 2 for 65 and dismissed Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls in the first ODI in Baroda, then added a brisk 29 off 23 with the bat.
- India beat New Zealand by four wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, with the second ODI scheduled for January 14 in Rajkot.
- Rahane recounted private conversations from IPL 2025 when social-media criticism left Rana nervous and sad, noting the pacer said it ultimately motivated him.
- Rahane described Rana’s habit of using AirPods during training to cut external noise and stay in his bowling zone.
- Scrutiny over Rana’s selection has persisted, including questions from former selector Kris Srikkanth, even as recent ODI returns against Australia and South Africa have improved.