Fresh off his maiden ODI selection for the Sri Lanka series, young pacer Harshit Rana expressed his gratitude towards Gautam Gambhir for the former cricketer’s significant contribution to his cricketing journey.
Stellar IPL Performance Paves the Way
While Rana wasn’t included in the initial T20I squad against Zimbabwe, his exceptional performance for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2024 couldn’t be overlooked.
He picked up a crucial 19 wickets in just 13 matches, playing a vital role in securing KKR’s third IPL title.
Gambhir’s Mentorship Makes a Difference
Rana specifically acknowledged the guidance of Gautam Gambhir, whom he affectionately calls “Gautti bhaiyya.” He highlighted Gambhir’s mentorship in the KKR dressing room as a turning point, emphasizing the importance of mental strength alongside cricketing skills.
Rana credited Gambhir’s unwavering belief for boosting his confidence, stating, “Gauti bhaiyya would constantly reassure me, saying ‘I trust you, you can win the match.'”
Looking Ahead to the ODI Series
With limited experience in List A cricket (22 wickets in 14 matches), Rana has a great opportunity to showcase his talent on the international stage. India’s ODI series against Sri Lanka commences on July 27th at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.