Mon Dec 08 01:41:21 UTC 2025: News Article:
Gambhir Backs Harshit Rana as Potential All-rounder for 2027 World Cup
New Delhi: India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has publicly stated his support for young pacer Harshit Rana, citing the player’s potential as a batting all-rounder as the key reason. This comes after speculation about Gambhir’s perceived favoritism towards Rana, a player he previously coached at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
Following India’s recent ODI series win against South Africa, Gambhir explained that Rana’s ability to contribute with the bat at No. 8 is crucial for balancing the team, especially with the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa on the horizon. He envisions Rana as a long-term solution in that role.
“We are trying to probably develop someone like Harshit, who can actually bat at 8 and contribute with a bat,” Gambhir said in the post-match press conference. He emphasized the importance of having three strong seamers for the conditions in South Africa.
Gambhir highlighted the impressive performances of Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, and Harshit Rana in the series, especially considering their limited ODI experience. He acknowledged that while veterans like Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj are currently sidelined, he aims to provide more opportunities to younger bowlers like Rana to gain valuable experience.
While emphasizing that it’s “still a long way,” Gambhir believes developing Rana into a bowling all-rounder alongside the return of Jasprit Bumrah would give the team a “massive boost.”
Rana’s first-class record supports Gambhir’s confidence, as he averages 31.18 with one century and two fifties in 14 matches. The team management clearly hopes to nurture this potential and solidify Rana’s place in the squad for the future.
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