Chasing a challenging target of 338 set by New Zealand in the series decider at Indore on Sunday, January 18, India fell short by 41 runs and lost the series 2–1. Despite the defeat, Harshit Rana impressed with a brisk 52 off just 43 balls, providing late resistance in the chase.
Speaking during a discussion on Star Sports, Gavaskar lauded Rana’s mindset and approach while batting in the lower order.
“Very, very good innings. He batted just like a lower-order batter bats, without any worry. There were no expectations from him. He knew that his job was to swing his bat. If he connected, great,” Gavaskar said, adding that Rana continued to play his shots even when he failed to connect with a few short balls.
The former India captain noted that the 24-year-old was not frustrated by missed opportunities and instead capitalized on deliveries in his hitting zone.
“He recognized that, ‘If you pitch it up, I am going to hammer you, or if you pitch it halfway down, I am going to hit you for six,’ and that’s exactly what he did. That was the impressive part,” Gavaskar observed.
Harshit Rana’s innings included four fours and four sixes before he was caught at long-on by Henry Nicholls off Zak Foulkes.
Gavaskar also pointed out the significance of Rana batting alongside Virat Kohli during the innings.
“You had somebody like a Kohli at the other end. How many people get the opportunity to bat with a Kohli or a Tendulkar?” he remarked, adding that such moments are unforgettable for young cricketers.
Harshit Rana and Virat Kohli added a valuable 99 runs for the seventh wicket. Kohli top-scored for India with a fluent 124 off 108 balls, featuring 10 fours and three sixes.
