The fast-tracking of Harshit Rana into the India squad for all forms of the game despite not having played many domestic games, received sharp criticism, at least in the beginning. Ajit Agarkar, the acting Indian selector, and Shahid Afridi, the chief of the Pakistan Cricket Board, were present in February 2025 when Rana made his ODI debut against England in the Maiden ICC tournament, the Champions Trophy 2025, where the pace spearhead Mohammed Siraj was out of the picture.
Harshit Rana gets trolled for fast tracking in international cricket
The critics labeled the call a gamble, and it was uncertain whether the neophyte fast bowler would be able to take on the ICC tournament pressure, particularly after he had a difficult first Test against Australia during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25.
Nevertheless, Harshit Rana soon proved his critics wrong with resolute performances against the English team at home. He was able to take six wickets in the three-match ODI series and thus emerged as India’s joint-highest wicket-taker along with Ravindra Jadeja while maintaining a good average of 24.33. His performance in the Champions Trophy 2025 was still uphill as he was able to take four wickets in two games at an incredible average of 15.15 and an economy of 3.97.
The Delhi-born has already taken 23 wickets in 13 outings. Moreover, the 2025 February ODI debutant, Harshit Rana, is currently the first Indian and the third overall cricketer in the list of most wickets. What was more surprising is that his economy rate remained six even though he bowled throughout all the phases. This ensures he is a crucial bowler for the team in a format where 300 runs do not guarantee a win anymore.
Harshit Rana second most successful bowler at the death after Kuldeep Yadav
Rana’s stats in the death overs (41 to 50 over phase) are very good. The right-armer has taken five wickets in 17 overs with an economy of 6.53. This puts Harshit Rana in the second place among the Indians for the most ODI wickets in death overs. He is only behind Kuldeep Yadav, who has taken eight wickets at an economy of 5.18 in 23.1 overs. This opens up the possibility of grooming the 24-year-old as a regular death over specialist with Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah.
Harshit Rana the Man with a Golden arm in the middle overs
Among the 10 highest wicket-takers in the middle overs phase (11 to 40), only two pacers from around the world made the cut. New Zealand’s Nathan Smith tops the list with 13 wickets at an economy of 6.28, while Harshit Rana follows closely with 12 at an even tighter 6.05 runs per over. But it took 25 more overs for Smith for that extra one-wicket.
From India’s point of view, Rana has a better strike rate in that phase too. Kuldeep Yadav, who normally bowls most of his overs during the 11 to 40 over phase, has taken 12 wickets in 87 overs (43.50 SR) since January 2025. Harshit Rana boasts an impressive 12 wickets in 40 overs at a 20 strike rate. This highlights his wicket-taking ability during the middle overs.
Brings IPL experience on the international level
Harshit, after initial setbacks, responded by bowling with new ball fuller lengths and middle overs more effectively hitting hard lengths. The disappointing performances in test cricket where teams pointed out seam weaknesses made Harshit look like an unprepared player at the very beginning. But he has taken this as a challenge and has positively responded.
The experience of sharing a dressing room with Mitchell Starc in IPL 2024 and getting Dwayne Bravo’s guidance, KKR’s bowling coach, has enabled him to acquire the skills needed for death bowling. He now adds wobble delivery and speed to his yorkers, which is now the case at the international stage as well. This has made Harshit Rana a dependable bowling alternative for India not only in ODIs but also during all phases of the match.
With the onset of T20 World Cup 2026, starting on February 7, Rana’s ODI planning reflects his quickness to adjust to the environment. In case of Mohammed Siraj’s subpar white-ball form and Mohammed Shami’s absence, the consistency in taking wickets assures his position as the third seamer next to Bumrah and Arshdeep. Harshit Rana is no longer just a newbie who was fast-tracked; he has become India’s pace enforcer, delivering when it is most needed.
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