Mumbai
Win Projections to be updated soon
In an interview with PTI upon being selected for the national team, Rana shared, “I used to work hard but faced moments of disappointment when I didn’t make age-group teams. During those times, my father Pradeep always supported me and never lost faith in my abilities.”
Recalling Gambhir’s words of encouragement, Rana stated, “‘Mere ko tere pe trust hai. Tu match jeetake aayega’ (I trust you, you can win the match) – these words always motivated me.”
Rana’s impressive performances in domestic cricket caught the eye of selectors, with his standout displays in the Ranji Trophy and white-ball formats like the Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali T20s. His standout performances in IPL 2024 played a key role in KKR’s title triumph, showcasing his ability to thrive under pressure.
“Gauti bhaiyya’s presence in the KKR dressing room and his mentorship played a significant role in shaping my approach towards the game. Skills are crucial, but having the mental strength to handle pressure is equally important at the elite level.”
Harshit Rana
When asked about dealing with pressure, Rana credited Gambhir’s advice, stating, “Gautam Gambhir always reminded me that facing fears head-on is essential to overcome them. It’s about learning from every experience and trusting that things will fall into place.”
Prior to his IPL success, Rana received training from coaches Amit Bhandari and Narinder Singh Negi at Delhi’s Players’ Academy. “Bhandari sir and Negi sir have been instrumental in honing my skill-set over the past two years,” Rana acknowledged.
Bhandari, reflecting on his initial impression of Rana, mentioned, “When Harshit approached me for training, I saw potential in him despite needing some refinement in his technique. His willingness to work hard and improve stood out.”
Rana will be eager to make his international debut during India’s tour of Sri Lanka, which will also mark Gambhir’s first assignment as the head coach. The tour includes three T20Is starting from July 27, followed by the ODI series commencing on August 2.
Adapted from PTI source
