India’s promising young pacer, Harshit Rana, recently shared a delightful behind-the-scenes anecdote from the third and final One Day International against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. It was a match where India clinched a dominant nine-wicket victory, but a moment involving Rana, captain Shubman Gill, and former skipper Rohit Sharma truly highlighted the camaraderie and experience within the squad.
In that decisive match, Australia, having chosen to bat first, was restricted to a modest 236 runs in 46.4 overs. Rana was a standout performer, leading the bowling attack with an impressive spell of 4/39. Among his crucial wickets was that of Mitchell Owen, a dismissal that followed a memorable discussion on the field.
When asked about his favorite dismissal of the match, Rana recounted the playful exchange: “It was for Mitch Owen, and there’s a funny story behind it. Shubman asked me if I wanted a slip fielder, and I initially thought, ‘No, I don’t need one.’ But then, Rohit bhai, who was fielding at covers, called out, ‘Hey, take the slip, let me go there!’ I immediately agreed, thinking, ‘Why not, brother, please go ahead.’ And just like that, I got the wicket! I was so thankful, telling him, ‘Thank you so much, bhaiya!’”
The wicket fell in the 38th over when Rana delivered a perfectly pitched, short-of-a-length ball. Owen edged it straight to first slip, where Rohit Sharma was perfectly positioned to complete the catch. Following the dismissal, a smiling Rohit pointed directly at Rana, a subtle reminder of his timely advice. This light-hearted moment perfectly showcased Rohit’s enduring value to the team, proving that his vast experience remains crucial, even after stepping down as India’s ODI captain.
Rana’s exceptional bowling performance, ably supported by Washington Sundar (2/44) and Axar Patel (1/18), kept Australia under constant pressure. In response, India comfortably chased down the target, with Rohit Sharma smashing an unbeaten 121 off 125 balls, and Virat Kohli contributing a solid 74 not out. India secured the victory with 237/1 in just 38.3 overs, ending the series 1-2 and concluding their tour on a high note with an all-round dominant display at the SCG.