Gautam Gambhir explains backing Harshit Rana across formats: 'Develop as a bowling allrounder'

India's head coach Gautam Gambhir has finally opened up about keeping Harshit Rana in the team across formats. As per the head coach, Rana is a talented bowler who also has skills to bat and provide that extra batting option to the team. Hence, the Indian team is trying to keep him as a bowling all-rounder.

Harshit Rana made his India debut in 2024 and has played across formats. He has received many criticism regarding his bowling but Gambhir has shown full confidence on the player. A part of the reason behind the criticism is also because BCCI selectors have sidelined talented players like Mohammad Shami and Mohammed Siraj. Hence, backing someone like Rana has pushed Gambhir towards criticsm. 

"That's one of the reasons why we are trying to probably develop someone like Harshit, who can actually bat at 8 and contribute with a bat at No. 8. That's how we need to find the balance, because come South Africa in two years' time, we would be needing three proper seamers as well," Gambhir said in the press conference after India's series win.

Also read: Aakash Chopra shares mixed message after praising star Indian batter’s performance in South Africa series

"And if he can continue to develop as a bowling allrounder, it's going to give us a massive boost. Because obviously with Jasprit Bumrah coming back, and what we saw of Arshdeep [Singh], Prasidh [Krishna] and Harshit in this series, [it] was incredible."

Should Harshit Rana be considered a bowling all-rounder?

Harshit Rana, 24, started playing for India last year and so far, there are not much improvement in his bowling despite playing in all three formats. For a bowler playing international cricket, there are many parameters that should be followed. Moreover, the over-aggressive nature of Rana has already cost him one demerit point in the ODIs. 

If we consider his batting, there were two games against Australia where we saw his batting performance. He is still in his learning stages and sidelining Shami and Siraj for someone inexperienced is not something the Indian team should do. If we look at the ODI performances, India did win the series but the bowling attack was under pressure most of the time, which isn't a great sign. 

Where to watch the India vs South Africa 1st T20I match?

Cricket fans in India can watch the India vs South Africa 1st T20I match on December 9 online on JioHotstar, via OTTplay Premium.

Also read: Virat Kohli’s playful jab leaves Kuldeep Yadav blushing after winning Impact Player medal