Dubai [UAE], February 22 (ANI): With the ICC Champions Trophy clash against arch-rivals Pakistan looming, Indian pacer Harshit Rana has emerged as the team’s unexpected asset amid the absence of key fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah. After struggling with his back, Bumrah missed this important contest, prompting Rana to step up and prove his mettle against the fierce rivals.
Speaking of Rana’s rise to the occasion, Indian vice-captain Shubman Gill praised the young bowler’s performance, noting, "Any player who has been part of the team for so long and is doing so well for the team, there is definitely a setback with Bumrah not being a part of the team and we were disappointed as a team. Harshit came in his place and he is doing a good job." This statement speaks volumes about the team's trust in Rana, who already made his mark by taking three wickets for 31 runs during the campaign opener against Bangladesh.
Rana's statistics underline his growth as he has bagged nine wickets so far at an impressive average of 19.66 across four ODIs, with his best figures standing at 3/31, and boasting of an economy rate of 6.17. The 23-year-old expressed confidence following his success against Bangladesh, saying he will carry forward the momentum as India prepares to face Pakistan. "Of course, there's always a lot of hype around an India-Pakistan game, but we are treating it like any other match," he asserted, attempting to downplay the pressure associated with the rivalry.
Reflecting on what he has learned, Rana credited seasoned campaigner Jasprit Bumrah for sharpening his skills, and emphasized how sharing the dressing room with the fast-bowling great has been invaluable. He stated, "I get a lot of benefit from working with Jassi bhai. He has a lot of experience. He always guided me on how to bowl in which format." Having debuted across all formats swiftly, Rana has shown notable adaptability, transitioning seamlessly from Tests to ODIs, benefiting from guidance under India's bowling coach Morne Morkel.
Rana's preparation has not gone unnoticed. He noted, "I have learned a great deal from him. He has worked extensively on improving my line and length." This attention to detail signifies his pursuit of excellence as he continues to refine his craft leading up to the high-stakes match.
Meanwhile, Gill elaborated on the importance of keeping calm when facing the pressure of the India-Pakistan rivalry. He stressed the significance of his performance against Bangladesh, labeling his century as one of his most satisfying innings. He said, "If there is a single bad match then there is a lot of pressure on you, then all the matches become do-and-die, must-win games."
Emphasizing the psychological aspect of the game, Gill explained his strategy during the middle overs when wickets were falling. "We tried to rotate the strike as much as possible and take less risk... So when we make 40-50 runs together, there is more pressure on the bowling team. They try harder and boundaries come. So, we plan around those phases," he explained.
With both teams coming to the fixture with rich cricketing history, the excitement is palpable. The last time the two sides met during the Champions Trophy final, Pakistan triumphed, securing their hold on the trophy, and this upcoming clash serves as not only another chapter but also as potential redemption for India.
Looking forward to the contest, Gill remarked on the longstanding rivalry, stating, "I do not believe over-hype or under-hype is a thing. India-Pakistan has a long history. It is exciting when both these teams play. Everyone enjoys watching it." His words encapsulated the thrill surrounding matches between these two nations, regardless of current form.
The squads for both teams heading to the Champions Trophy showcase a mix of seasoned veterans and young talents poised to make their mark. The Indian squad includes prominent players like Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli, whereas the Pakistani side is led by Mohammad Rizwan with his own star players such as Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
The anticipation continues to build as the ICC Champions Trophy progresses, and all eyes will be on Harshit Rana to carry the torch for the Indian bowling attack against the dynamic Pakistan team.