Two of India’s most decorated batters, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, have been the towering pillars of Indian cricket for so many years, and for the 23-year-old fast bowler Harshit Rana, sharing the dressing room with them isn’t just a badge of honour but a crucial part of his growth as a cricketer.
As for Harshit Rana, he has played 16 matches for India across formats. In nine of those matches, he has shared the dressing room with Kohli and Rohit. Rana explained that Kohli and Rohit don’t just lead by example; they actively help youngsters out.
"It is a big thing for me and for the entire team, obviously. If such experienced players are with you in the dressing room and on the field, the environment remains nice. At this time, off the field - even dressing room - it is a happy environment for the entire team. Everyone wants to be better. In their minds, they always want youngsters to get better. When I am bowling, for example, they always tell me how to bowl better. When a player gets such a great team environment, things automatically go well," Rana said during the press conference.
So far in 9 ODI matches, Harshit Rana has taken 19 wickets at an average of 20.89 and an economy rate of 5.92. In the first ODI against South Africa in Ranchi, he was impressive, chipping in with three wickets. India, meanwhile, are gearing up to face South Africa in the second ODI, set to be played in Raipur on Wednesday.