Harshit Rana Reveals His Admired Indian Cricket Star, Not Kohli or Sharma
Fast bowler Harshit Rana has emerged as a significant talent in Indian cricket, rapidly gaining recognition for his performances. Recently, he shared a surprising revelation about his cricketing idol, steering away from the commonly admired Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
Harshit Rana’s Cricketing Journey
Hailing from Delhi, Rana made his international debut during the 2024–25 tour of Australia. Since then, he has played in:
- 2 Test matches
- 13 One Day Internationals (ODIs)
- 6 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is)
Across these formats, he has taken a total of 34 wickets, showcasing his potential as a reliable wicket-taker. At just 24 years old, his impressive track record has earned him a spot on India’s 15-man squad for the upcoming 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which begins on February 7. Rana will join forces with prominent players such as Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh in the pace attack.
Admiration for Hardik Pandya
Interestingly, Harshit Rana did not grow up watching cricket extensively; he preferred to focus on playing the sport. However, when he began following cricket more closely, all-rounder Hardik Pandya caught his attention. Rana expressed his admiration for Pandya, stating:
“I like his mindset. He’s never bothered by anything – good or bad. Whether people praise him or criticise him, it doesn’t affect him.”
This steadfast belief in oneself is a trait that Rana aspires to emulate. He appreciates Pandya’s consistent demeanor, both on and off the field.
Lessons from Rohit Sharma
In addition to idolizing Pandya, Rana reflects on valuable advice he received from senior player Rohit Sharma during a tour in Australia. A particular moment stands out:
During a match, captain Shubman Gill suggested that Rana keep a slip for a new batsman, but he hesitated. Rohit then prompted him to reconsider, which led to the very next ball resulting in a wicket. This experience highlighted the importance of adapting strategies on the field.
Rana has since committed to always having a slip for new batters, taking Sharma’s guidance to heart.
As Harshit Rana continues to develop his skills and gain experience, his respect for both Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma emphasizes the influence of role models in shaping a young athlete’s career.
