Harshit Rana, the promising fast bowler from Delhi, is making headlines not just for his fiery spells but for crediting his father over Gautam Gambhir for his batting obsession. In an exclusive chat, Rana revealed the special reason behind his dedication to the willow, rooted deeply in family legacy rather than coaching directives.
‘It’s all because of my father. He saw the future of cricket and pushed me to become a genuine all-rounder,’ Rana stated emphatically. Unlike the common narrative linking his progress to Gambhir’s mentorship, Rana emphasized his dad’s hands-on approach in transforming him from a pure bowler to a batting contender.
Growing up, Rana’s father enforced a rigorous routine: extensive net sessions for batting post-bowling drills. ‘He’d say, pace alone won’t suffice in T20s or ODIs. You need runs to back your wickets,’ the young cricketer shared. This foresight has Rana honing shots that could make him indispensable in shorter formats.
Gautam Gambhir, known for his no-nonsense coaching style, has undoubtedly sharpened Rana’s competitive edge. However, Rana was quick to note, ‘Gautam bhaiya focuses on my mindset and variations, but batting is dad’s department.’ This candid admission sheds light on the personal sacrifices and motivations driving India’s next-gen pacers.
With the Ranji Trophy around the corner, Rana’s balanced skill set positions him as a hot prospect. Cricket pundits predict that if he converts practice into performances, a national call-up isn’t far. His story underscores how family foundations often underpin professional triumphs in sport.
