A month-old podcast clip of veteran Indian pacer Sandeep Sharma resurfaced at the right time and went viral soon after Harshit Rana’s decisive three-wicket spell in the first ODI against South Africa in Ranchi. With critics long questioning why Gautam Gambhir and the selectors backed the young quick so firmly, Sharma’s remarks offered a clear explanation of the long-term thinking behind Rana’s continued selection.
Sharma explained on Talk with Manvendra that Rana’s selection was not based on sentiment but on a clear long-term projection. He said that once the selectors have identified a rare skill set, the next step is to give that talent enough time to mature.
IND vs SA 1st ODI: Highlights
“Either you identify a skill or a talent, or once you identify that talent, you give it enough time to mature. That’s what happened with him. He’s hitting over 140, he’s got good height, a strong frame. If you work with him for a couple of years, he can become a very good pitcher.”
Watch the video here:
Sharma added that developing fast bowlers is always a gamble and selectors consciously take that risk.
“If you pick five players like that, only one or two will do well. You’ll get it wrong three or four times. That’s why it’s difficult for selectors because they have to take risks. He’s 23 to 24 and he’s going to have to play, get a few hits and grow.”
These comments then regained relevance Ranchi’s performance in Ranchiwhich plays a big role India won by 17 runs over equally strong South Africa. Sharing the new ball with Arshdeep Singh, the 23-year-old dismissed Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock in the space of three balls. The former was smashed through the wicket by an inswinger and the latter was caught behind a delivery that had formed. He later removed Dewald Brevis with a slower ball and made three vital breakthroughs in India’s 350 defence.
India captain KL Rahul strongly endorsed the youngster after the match, calling him exactly the kind of fast bowler India was looking for.
“Harshit is special. Someone tall, someone who can mix quickly, someone who hits the deck. That’s what India were looking for. He’s still developing but we see a lot of potential.”
Rana’s progress has not been without criticism. During India’s tour of Australia, former cricketer Krishnamachari Srikkanth controversially called him a “yes man” for Gambhir. Gambhir called the remark “disgraceful” and insisted that Rana was selected purely on ability. With 19 wickets in nine ODIs and impressive back-to-back spells in Australia and now Ranchi, Rana seems to be repaying the selectors’ faith.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
December 1, 2025
