Indian pacer Harshit Rana delivered a truly remarkable, match-winning performance in the third and final One Day International against Australia at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground. His efforts on Saturday paved the way for India’s dominant nine-wicket victory, ensuring the series ended 1-2 in Australia’s favor, rather than a clean sweep.
Rana’s impressive spell, where he bagged 4 wickets for just 39 runs, was absolutely crucial in India’s strategy to restrict Australia. The young bowler played a pivotal role in dismissing the Australian side for 236 runs in just 46.4 overs.
The 23-year-old was relentless, securing critical wickets, including those of Alex Carey and Mitchell Owen, as Australia’s innings faltered, sliding to 198/6 by the 38th over. His outstanding bowling was well-supported by Washington Sundar, who took 2/44, and Axar Patel, with 1/18. Mohammed Siraj also contributed, adding 1/24 to the team’s tally, ensuring Australia remained under constant pressure.
Chasing a target of 237, India approached it with impressive ease. Captain Rohit Sharma led from the front, smashing an unbeaten 121 runs off 125 balls, while superstar Virat Kohli chipped in with a superb 74 not out off 81 deliveries. The dynamic duo forged an unbroken 168-run partnership after Rohit and Shubman Gill (24) set a solid foundation with an opening stand of 69 runs.
India comfortably chased down the target in just 38.3 overs, concluding their tour on a high note. This commanding performance was particularly significant, as it came amidst a wave of online criticism directed at Rana concerning his inclusion in India’s ODI squad.
Former selector Kris Srikkanth had previously stirred controversy by labeling Rana a ‘constant yes man’ to head coach Gautam Gambhir, remarks that ignited widespread debate and reaction across social media and cricket circles.
Rana’s brilliant display at the SCG garnered immense praise from fans and teammates alike, with many highlighting his on-field heroics as the most fitting and powerful answer to his critics. His exceptional figures stood out as the backbone of India’s bowling attack, playing a decisive role in curbing Australia’s scoring.
This controversy had prompted senior players and seasoned experts to speak out against the increasing trend of personal criticism targeting young cricketers. Ravichandran Ashwin, addressing the issue on his popular YouTube channel, firmly stated, ‘I have always believed that no player should be attacked below the belt. When criticism turns personal, it crosses a line.’
He further elaborated, ‘Imagine Harshit sees harsh criticism just before he is about to play for India. How would that affect him? It’s fine to critique skills, technique, or style, but it shouldn’t get personal.’
Just hours after India’s victory in Sydney, the triumphant bowler took to Instagram – a platform he had been silent on since the series began – to deliver the ultimate response to his detractors. With a powerful caption, ‘Not just a win, a statement of unity, belief and teamwork. Eleven players. One heartbeat,’ Rana eloquently expressed his feelings after finishing the series as the top wicket-taker with six scalps. Through his four-wicket haul in Sydney, Rana unequivocally demonstrated that his unwavering focus remains firmly on his performance and composure, entirely unbothered by the noise of online chatter.