Harshit Rana during the first cricket match of the ODI series between India and South Africa, at the JSCA International Stadium Complex, in Ranchi, Jharkhand. (PTI photo) NEW DELHI: Harshit Rana, who came into India’s cross-format line-up during Gautam Gambhir’s tenure as head coach, says he is not concerned by claims that he is getting preferential treatment. The fast bowler said he is avoiding outside talks and is only concentrating on his work on the field as India prepares for the next ODI in Raipur.Harshit Rana said he pays no heed to claims that he is getting preference from India head coach Gautam Gambhir, adding that such talk affects performance and he prefers to focus on his cricket.
Harshit Rana Press Conference: Social Media Trolls, Outside Noise, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma
Rana, 23, made his debut for India in all formats during Gambhir’s tenure, starting in the Perth Test on the tour of Australia last year. His returns have been mixed so far, but Gambhir has continued to back him.“If I start listening to all these things, put them in my mind and go on the field, I won’t be able to play cricket,” Rana responded to criticism, including from social media. “I try to avoid it as much as possible. I just pay attention to what I have to do on the ground. I don’t care what happens outside or what anyone says about me. I just focus on my hard work and what I will do on the ground,” he said ahead of India’s training session at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium in Raipur.Rana took 3/65 in the first ODI in Ranchi, taking the first two wickets before losing control slightly later in the South African chase.He said he is working with bowling coach Morne Morkel and Arshdeep Singh to improve his skills with the new ball.“With the new ball, I have been training a lot with Morne (Morkel) and still talking to Arshdeep a lot. I feel Arshdeep has a lot of experience and is always helping and guiding me during practice,” said Rana.Regarding the one-ball rule after the 34th over, Rana said the team will check which of the two balls has aged more before selecting.“You know the bowlers don’t help that much in today’s cricket, so this rule is very useful for us and it’s always on our mind to see which ball gets old. And everyone has a hand in its selection,” he said.Rana also said that the presence of senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma has fueled his growth.“It’s a big thing for me and of course for the whole team, because if you have such experienced players staying with you on the field and in the dressing room, then the atmosphere in the team is very good.”
