VADODARA – For the past year, Harshit Rana has been the most scrutinized name in Indian cricket. Ever since Gautam Gambhir took over as head coach, critics have dismissed the 24-year-old pacer as a “favouritism” pick. However, following a high-stakes performance against New Zealand on January 11, 2026, the narrative has shifted from “Why him?” to “How did we miss this?”
1. The Vadodara Turning Point
In the 1st ODI at Vadodara, India faced a tense chase of 301. While Virat Kohli (93) and Shubman Gill (56) laid the foundation, a late-order collapse left the game in the balance.
- The Cameo: Walking in at a critical juncture, Rana played a fearless knock of 29 off 23 balls.
- The Partnership: Alongside KL Rahul (29)*, Rana added 37 runs for the seventh wicket, turning a nervous finish into a comfortable 4-wicket victory.
- The “Ninth Man” Hundred: This batting value isn’t a fluke; Rana previously smashed a century from No. 9 in domestic red-ball cricket, a “hint” Gambhir has clearly been looking to exploit in the ODI format.
2. Wickets in Clusters: The Bowling Impact
Gambhir’s backing of Rana is rooted in a specific philosophy: Strike bowlers are worth the runs they leak. Rana isn’t a “containment” bowler; he is a wicket-taker who uses steep bounce and hard lengths to disrupt set batters.
| Key Performance | Venue/Date | Impact |
| ODI Debut | Nagpur (Feb 2025) | 3-wicket haul vs England; announced his strike power. |
| Career Best | Sydney (Oct 2025) | 4/39 vs Australia; dismantled the top order in their backyard. |
| Ranchi Defense | Ranchi (Dec 2025) | 3/65 vs South Africa; removed De Kock and Brevis in a high-scorer. |
| Series Opener | Vadodara (Jan 2026) | 2/65 vs NZ; took the crucial wicket of Devon Conway. |
3. Silencing the “Yes Man” Narrative
The “favouritism” tag peaked in late 2025 when former captain Kris Srikkanth labeled Rana a “yes man” to Gambhir. Gambhir’s defense was steadfast: “It’s shameful to target a 23-year-old… He has played on his own merit.”
- The Logic: India is actively searching for a seam-bowling all-rounder to provide balance. If Rana can bat at No. 8 and bowl at 140+ km/h, he provides a tactical flexibility that allows India to play an extra attacking spinner or pacer without weakening the tail.
4. What This Changes for Team India
Rana’s growth allows the top order to chase more aggressively, knowing there is “batting insurance” at the bottom. As the team looks toward the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, a tall, hit-the-deck pacer who can contribute 30 runs is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity.