Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes young pacer Harshit Rana has the potential to become a key bowler for India. While he supports Arshdeep Singh for the Champions Trophy, Manjrekar noted that Harshit, at just 23, could challenge Arshdeep’s spot in the ODI squad.
Harshit impressed on his ODI debut against England, claiming six wickets in three matches with an average of 24.33 and an economy rate of 6.95, including standout figures of 3-53 in Nagpur and 2-31 in Ahmedabad. Manjrekar praised Harshit’s promise and potential, despite Arshdeep being the preferred choice for now.
“It’s easy to get caught up in the recent performances, but every time Harshit Rana has played for India in white-ball cricket, he has stood out. He has that ability to make things happen on the field. I admire his attitude, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he becomes a major bowling figure for India. Right now, he’s just scratching the surface of his potential.”
“I really appreciate his spirit, and he’s got most of the right attributes. But, for now, Arshdeep Singh remains the senior bowler in the team. However, over time, Harshit Rana could make things tricky for Arshdeep, especially if Arshdeep is only the second seamer in the side, with Hardik Pandya filling the third spot.”
“Harshit is going to push him hard for that position. And it also makes Mohammed Siraj’s return to the team even more challenging because there’s so much to like about Harshit Rana,” the 59-year-old concluded.
In addition to featuring in all three matches of the ODI series against England, Harshit Rana also made his T20I debut during the fourth match of the five-game series in Pune. Stepping in as a concussion substitute for Shivam Dube, the fast bowler impressed by taking 3-33, helping India secure a 15-run victory over England.
Before International Debut Harshit impressed in IPL 2024, playing 13 matches for Kolkata Knight Riders and taking 19 wickets at an average of 20.15. In 21 IPL games, he has 25 wickets at 23.24, with a best of 3-24.