- By Vishal Pushkar
- Tue, 02 Dec 2025 09:33 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
India National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline: Indian pacer Harshit Rana has been subjected to a lot of criticism on social media regarding alleged favours from Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir. The criticism has even caught the attention of Gambhir, as he slammed them during a press conference. As far as Harshit is concerned, the fast bowler has chosen to ignore the outside noise, as it allows him to express himself freely on the field.
The 23-year-old, in very little time, has made his debut across formats, starting with the Perth Test during last year's Australia tour.
While he has not significantly impacted various formats with his performances, Rana has received strong support from the head coach of India.
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“If I start listening to all these things, put them in my mind and take the field, I won't be able to play cricket,” said Rana when asked how he deals with criticism including from fans on social media.
“I try to avoid as much as possible. I just pay attention to what I have to do on the ground. I don't care about what is happening outside or what someone is saying about me."
“I just focus on my hard work and what I am going to do on the ground,” he said ahead of India's training session here at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium.
The right-arm pacer said he is working with India's bowling coach Morne Morkel and Arshdeep Singh to improve skills with the new ball.
“With the new ball I am practicing a lot with Morne (Morkel) and I keep talking to Arshdeep a lot. I feel that Arshdeep has a lot of experience and he keeps helping and guiding me during practice,” Rana said.
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With one-ball rule post the 34th over mark in place, Rana said the Indian team keeps an eye on which among the two balls is getting comparatively older to select one.
“You know that bowlers do not get so much help in today's cricket so this rule is very helpful for us and it is always on the mind to see which ball is getting older. And everyone is involved in choosing that ball,” he said.
Inputs from Agency
