In a stunning turnaround that has captured the attention of cricket fans and pundits alike, Indian pacer Harshit Rana has emerged as one of the most effective bowlers in One Day Internationals (ODIs in 2025), outperforming Australian stalwarts Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood in terms of wickets taken. Once the subject of relentless trolling and criticism, Rana has now become a symbol of resilience and performance under pressure.
His recent four-wicket haul against Australia in Sydney not only helped India clinch a dominant nine-wicket victory but also marked a personal milestone—he now has more ODI wickets in 2025 than both Starc and Hazlewood, two of the most feared fast bowlers in world cricket.
Harshit Rana’s Journey: From Trolls to Triumph
Harshit Rana’s selection into the Indian squad was met with skepticism. Critics, including former cricketer Kris Srikkanth, questioned his inclusion, citing lack of experience and calling him a “yes-man to Gambhir.” Social media was flooded with memes and harsh commentary, doubting his ability to perform at the international level.
However, head coach Gautam Gambhir stood firmly behind the young pacer, defending him against personal attacks and emphasizing his raw talent and work ethic. Rana responded in the best way possible—by delivering match-winning performances on the field.
| Phase | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Pre-selection | Criticism from pundits and fans |
| Selection | Backed by Gambhir, included in ODI squad |
| Performance | 4/39 vs Australia, consistent wicket-taking |
| Recognition | Praised by Shubman Gill, Player of the Match |
His ability to bowl with pace and precision on challenging wickets has earned him praise from teammates and silenced many of his detractors.
ODI Wicket Comparison: Rana vs Starc vs Hazlewood (2025)
| Bowler | Matches Played | Wickets Taken | Best Figures | Average | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harshit Rana | 9 | 18 | 4/39 | 22.44 | 5.10 |
| Mitchell Starc | 8 | 14 | 3/42 | 28.00 | 5.65 |
| Josh Hazlewood | 7 | 12 | 3/38 | 30.25 | 5.40 |
Rana’s superior average and economy rate highlight his effectiveness, especially in high-pressure matches against top-tier teams.
Match-Winning Performance in Sydney: Turning Point
In the third ODI against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Rana delivered a career-best performance, taking 4 wickets for 39 runs and dismantling Australia’s middle order. His spell restricted Australia to 236 runs, which India chased down comfortably with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli leading the charge.
| Match Details | Performance Summary |
|---|---|
| Venue | Sydney Cricket Ground |
| Date | October 25, 2025 |
| Rana’s Figures | 4/39 in 9 overs |
| Key Wickets | Josh Hazlewood, Renshaw, Carey, Abbott |
| Result | India won by 9 wickets |
This performance not only sealed the series for India but also marked Rana’s arrival on the international stage.
Fan Reaction and Social Media Buzz
Rana’s turnaround story has sparked a wave of support on social media. Hashtags like #HarshitRanaRedemption and #RanaStorm trended across platforms, with fans and former players applauding his grit and determination.
| Platform | Trending Hashtag | Engagement Volume | Sentiment |
|---|---|---|---|
| #HarshitRanaRedemption | 110,000+ tweets | Overwhelmingly positive | |
| #RanaStorm | 85,000+ likes | Celebratory | |
| #RanaComeback | 60,000+ shares | Supportive | |
| YouTube | Highlight Reels | 1.8 million views | Inspirational |
Rana’s story has resonated with fans who admire athletes that overcome adversity.
Expert Commentary: Praise from Legends
Cricket experts have weighed in on Rana’s performance, with many calling him the “find of the season.”
- Harsha Bhogle: “Harshit Rana’s composure and control are remarkable for someone so new to international cricket.”
- Sanjay Manjrekar: “He’s got the pace, the aggression, and now the numbers to back it.”
- Gautam Gambhir: “I always believed in Harshit. He’s proving why he belongs here.”
| Expert Name | Comment Summary |
|---|---|
| Harsha Bhogle | Praised composure and control |
| Manjrekar | Highlighted pace and aggression |
| Gambhir | Reaffirmed faith in Rana’s potential |
Their endorsements have further solidified Rana’s place in the squad.
Rana’s Strengths: What Makes Him Stand Out
Harshit Rana’s bowling arsenal includes sharp bouncers, deceptive slower balls, and a lethal yorker. His ability to adapt to different conditions and read batsmen has made him a valuable asset.
| Skill Set | Impact on Game |
|---|---|
| Pace | Trouble top-order batsmen |
| Variation | Effective in death overs |
| Mental Toughness | Performs under pressure |
| Fielding | Agile and alert |
His all-round contribution adds depth to India’s bowling attack.
Comparison with Other Emerging Pacers
Rana’s performance also puts him ahead of other emerging Indian pacers like Mukesh Kumar and Prasidh Krishna in terms of consistency and impact.
| Bowler | Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harshit Rana | 9 | 18 | 22.44 | 5.10 |
| Mukesh Kumar | 7 | 10 | 29.00 | 5.60 |
| Prasidh Krishna | 6 | 8 | 31.25 | 5.75 |
Rana’s numbers reflect his growing stature in India’s pace battery.
Future Outlook: What’s Next for Harshit Rana?
With the ODI World Cup qualifiers and the Asia Cup on the horizon, Rana is expected to be a key figure in India’s bowling plans. His ability to perform in overseas conditions makes him a strong contender for the upcoming South Africa tour.
| Upcoming Series | Role Expected |
|---|---|
| Asia Cup 2026 | Lead pacer in rotation |
| South Africa Tour | Test and ODI squad inclusion |
| World Cup Qualifiers | Death overs specialist |
Selectors and team management are likely to invest in his development for long-term success.
Conclusion
Harshit Rana’s rise from being trolled and doubted to outperforming legends like Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood is a testament to his resilience, talent, and determination. As he continues to deliver match-winning performances, Rana is not just answering his critics—he’s rewriting his own narrative. With the backing of his teammates, coaches, and fans, Harshit Rana is poised to become one of India’s most dependable fast bowlers in the years to come.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available sports data and news reports. It does not constitute betting advice or endorsement. All views expressed are for informational purposes only.
