Fast bowler Harshit Rana received his first call-up to India’s Test team for the upcoming tour of Australia. This was a significant moment for him because he had been waiting for this chance for a long time.
After his selection, Rana spoke publicly for the first time. He said that he enjoys competing against the Australians and likes to play the game in their style. He also expressed his feelings about seeing his name in India’s 18-player squad for the five-Test series in Australia.
In an interview with ESPNCricinfo, Harshit Rana talked about his aggressive and competitive attitude, comparing it to how Australians play. He also mentioned his favorite team and said he felt proud to see his name on the squad for the upcoming tour.
“The kind of competitive attitude I like to play cricket with on the field is very similar to Australia’s. It was my father’s dream that I play a Test against England sometime at Lord’s, but I personally like Australia more. I am proud of myself, that my name came up for this tour,” Harshit said.
The young player was hoping to get a call-up to the Indian team after being included in the traveling reserves for the first two Tests against New Zealand. He talked about how being with the team has helped him grow personally and how it has benefited his career.
“Only when the team was announced did I know I was going to Australia,” Harshit said. “But I had indications that I might be selected for the Australia tour because they had me with the team to prepare. Being selected for the Australia tour is a big deal for me,” Rana said.
“I have been with the Indian team continuously since the IPL and I have learnt a lot of things there. This lesson is not only about cricket, but also about life, how a sportsperson advances in his career and life. Even as a cricketer, I have grown a lot by being with the Indian team,” he added.
Harshit Rana also talked about Gautam Gambhir’s influence on him. The 22-year-old said that India’s head coach has always supported him, starting from his time playing in the IPL with Kolkata Knight Riders.
“Gambhir (Gambhir) bhaiya has always backed me and if I have to ask anything, I always go to him and talk to him and he always gives me the right guidance. Under him, I have grown a lot in the IPL and he has taught me a lot of things,” Rana added.
