KKR coach finally reveals why India selected Harshit Rana for BGT 2024-25

Young pacer Harshit Rana has made headlines with his selection in India’s squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 after impressing one and all with his show for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League 2024 (IPL 2024).

Despite having only 10 first-class games to his name, the 22-year-old fast bowler was named in India’s squad for the upcoming five-match Test series against Australia, starting on November 22 at the Optus Stadium in Perth. His selection highlights the Indian cricket team's belief in Rana’s potential to deliver on the big stage under pressure.

Harshit Rana can be India’s secret weapon for Australia tour

Harshit Rana is being hailed as a unique talent capable of making an impact in challenging conditions, but what makes him a standout prospect is his rare combination of attributes. However, Rana’s confidence and composure, even under pressure, have impressed the selectors most.

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Known for his towering height, Rana is expected to utilize Australian conditions to his advantage with his ability to extract significant bounce and generate movement—an exceptional combination for any fast bowler, and these qualities are expected to thrive in Australia.

However, his confidence and self-assurance have been key traits that impressed the former Indian bowling coach Bharat Arun, who has closely observed Harshit Rana’s journey during his stint at the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL 2024.

Harshit Rana's confidence impresses Bharat Arun most

Bharat Arun was quoted as saying by Revsportz: “His (Harshit Rana's) confidence. He is very sure of his ability and isn’t scared of the big stage. He is a tall bowler, and he will be able to generate bounce. What goes in his favor is also his ability to get movement. Someone who gets bounce and movement is rare, and in Australian conditions, he can be a very useful bowler for India. Having seen him very closely, his confidence is something that has stood out for me.”

Meanwhile, the former Team India bowling coach also opened up about the guidance and strategy in shaping Mohammed Siraj’s remarkable performance during the iconic 2021 Test series win in Australia.

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With the team facing mounting odds, Siraj emerged as the pace spearhead, delivering a stunning display of skill and resilience to help India script history on Australian soil.

Bharat Arun reveals how Mohammed Siraj turned out hero in BGT 2020-21

Arun revealed the careful approach taken to bolster Siraj's confidence during the high-stakes Test series. He said that the coaching team asked Soraj to go with the same mindset and process that brought him success in the Ranji Trophy.

The focus was on backing his strengths and letting his natural abilities shine through, and this strategy paid off, and he turned a daunting challenge into a career-defining moment.

Arun further noted, “Each time I sat down with him, I mentioned to him that he should think about what he did at the Ranji Trophy games. He has been very successful in domestic cricket, and there has to be a reason behind it. He needed to do the same at the Test level in Australia.

I told him he would be fine after the initial nerves had settled, and all he needed to do was bowl the same way he did at the Ranji Trophy. Back his strengths. Forget the stage and who he was bowling to. Just back his strengths and follow the process that got him there and had made him successful.”