Nagpur (Maharashtra) [India]: Indian fast bowler Harshit Rana achieved a historic milestone during the first ODI against England at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium on Thursday, becoming the first Indian bowler to take three or more wickets on debut across all three formats of international cricket.
A Landmark Performance on ODI Debut
Rana finished his debut ODI spell with figures of 7-1-53-3, despite a tough start. His early struggle came when Philip Salt smashed 26 runs in his third over, leading to a brief removal from the attack. However, he made a strong comeback, scalping three wickets and bowling a maiden over in his remaining four overs.
With this achievement, the 23-year-old speedster etched his name in history as the first Indian cricketer to register a three-wicket haul on debut in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.
Harshit Rana’s Record Across Formats
- Test Debut: Against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 at Perth, where he took 3/48 in the first innings.
- T20I Debut: Against England, where he finished with 3/33 in the fourth T20I of the five-match series.
- ODI Debut: Against England, taking 3/53 in Nagpur.
Controversial T20I Debut as a Concussion Substitute
Rana’s T20I debut stirred debate as he came in as a concussion substitute for Shivam Dube during the fourth T20I against England. His match-winning spell ignited controversy, with England’s Jos Buttler expressing dissatisfaction with the decision.
India’s Bowling Performance in Nagpur ODI
England, after electing to bat first, posted 248 in 47.4 overs, riding on contributions from:
- Jos Buttler – 52 (67 balls, 4 fours)
- Jacob Bethell – 51 (64 balls, 3 fours, 1 six)
- Phil Salt – 43 (26 balls, 5 fours, 3 sixes)
For India, Ravindra Jadeja (3/26) and Harshit Rana (3/53) were the top wicket-takers, while Axar Patel, Mohammed Shami, and Kuldeep Yadav claimed a wicket each.
Harshit Rana’s Domestic and International Stats
- Tests: 2 matches | 4 wickets | Best figures: 3/48
- T20I: 1 match | 3 wickets | Best figures: 3/33
- List-A: 14 matches | 22 wickets | Best figures: 4/17
With this historic feat, Harshit Rana has established himself as one of India’s most promising fast bowlers.