Gautam Gambhir beaming with pride as Harshit Rana launches Marcus Stoinis for huge 104-m six at MCG

India National Cricket Team head coach Gautam Gambhir couldn’t hide his pride as Harshit Rana lit up the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) with a stunning display of power in the second T20I between India and Australia on Friday (October 31) in Melbourne.

Harshit Rana was sent ahead of the senior all-rounder Shivam Dube after the dramatic collapse, and the move paid off handsomely against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The young pacer played a key role in taking India to 125 on the board in the second T20I on Friday.

Harshit Rana justifies selection with explosive knock at MCG

The Delhi lad is the same bowler for whom Gambhir has been constantly facing the backlash for playing him ahead of Arshdeep Singh. Time and again, the Indian head coach cited Harshit’s batting ability that gives him an edge ahead of one of their most successful T20I bowlers, Arshdeep.

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Read Also: Watch: Josh Inglis grabs a stunning flying catch to remove Shivam Dube in Melbourne T20I

And now, Harshit gave a tight slap to the critics and repaid Gambhir’s faith by playing a crucial knock of 35 runs off 33 balls, laced with three boundaries and one six. That one shot off Marcus Stoinis has gone viral as the camera focused on Gambhir, who was seen beaming with pride on his call.

Gautam Gambhir beams in pride as Harshit Rana hits a massive six

Actually, Stoinis tried to outsmart Harshit with a slower delivery, but the youngster read it early, steadied himself, and launched a thunderous six over mid-wicket. The massive hit not only brought up India’s 100 but also left the Indian dugout, especially Gambhir, bursting with pride.

The shot was pure power, pure confidence, and a glimpse of India’s fearless new generation.

pic.twitter.com/lugkT6oe2l

— Drizzyat12Kennyat8 (@45kennyat7PM) October 31, 2025

104 METER SIX BY HARSHIT RANA. 🥶 pic.twitter.com/bNQqTtzWgU

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 31, 2025

Abhishek Sharma fights alone as India crumble against Australia

Meanwhile, India's batting lineup collapsed in dramatic fashion against Australia at the MCG, as the top order failed to cope with the sharp bounce and seam movement. India also experimented with their batting order, sending Sanju Samson at No. 3 and promoting Harshit Rana ahead of Shivam Dube during the second T20I on Friday.

Apart from Abhishek Sharma’s fearless 68 off 37 balls and Harshit Rana’s fighting 35 off 33, nothing went in favor of the Men in Blue at the MCG. While Abhishek impressed with his clever footwork and ability to use the bowlers’ pace, the rest of the batting lineup struggled badly.

Read Also: "Jitesh Sharma is way better": Twitter reacts to Sanju Samson’s failure in MCG T20I vs Australia

Josh Hazlewood’s fiery spell destroys India's top order

The conditions seemed too tough for India’s top and middle order, who looked trapped on the crease and found it impossible to adjust to the extra bounce on offer at the MCG. Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood delivered a masterclass with the new ball, bowling tight Test-match lines that left India breathless.

Hazlewood bowled 15 dot balls in his four overs and finished with astonishing figures of 3 for 13. Xavier Bartlett and Nathan Ellis added to the misery by striking twice each, while Marcus Stoinis chipped in with a wicket to wrap up India’s innings. Now, Australia started strongly to chase 126 runs to win the second T20I to take a lead in the series against India after the Canberra game washed out.