Rohit Sharma Backs Harshit Rana After Adelaide Test Defeat

India’s national cricket team captain, Rohit Sharma, has expressed his support for young pacer Harshit Rana following his wicketless performance in the second Test against Australia. The match, which was part of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 series, resulted in a 10-wicket defeat for India at the Adelaide Oval.

In the pink ball Test match, which took place in Adelaide, Australia, India was bowled out for 180 and 175 in their respective innings. This comprehensive victory allowed Australia to level the series at 1-1. Despite not taking any wickets, Rohit Sharma commended Harshit Rana for his efforts, stating, “Rana ne kuch galat nahin kiya,” which implies that Rana should not be dropped from the team without a valid reason.

Rohit Sharma also recalled Rana’s impressive performance in the first Test in Perth, where India won by a substantial margin of 295 runs. This demonstration of skill solidified his belief that Rana deserves to remain part of the squad.

In light of the performance challenges faced by India during the match, Rohit discussed the potential inclusion of seasoned pacer Mohammed Shami for the upcoming matches in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He remarked that the “door is very much open” for Shami’s participation, which hints at possible changes in the upcoming matches to bolster the Indian bowling lineup.

The match saw stellar performances by Australian players, notably Travis Head, who received the Player of the Match award for his impactful 140-run knock. His innings was instrumental in establishing a significant 157-run lead, putting Australia in a commanding position. Additionally, the Australian bowling duo of Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins each secured five-wicket hauls, demonstrating their formidable bowling attack.

In summary, while Harshit Rana did not manage to claim any wickets in Adelaide, the support from his captain Rohit Sharma, backed by his performance in previous matches, seems to reinforce his value to the team. This approach by Sharma not only boosts the morale of young players like Rana but also reflects strategic planning for the upcoming challenges in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.