‘Eleven players, one heartbeat’: Harshit Rana shuts down trolls with 4/39 in Sydney | Cricket News
India pacer Harshit Rana delivered a match-winning performance in the third and final ODI against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday, helping India clinch a nine-wicket win to finish the series 1-2 in the hosts’ favour. Rana’s impressive spell of 4/39 was central to India’s effort in bowling out Australia for 236 in 46.4 overs. The 23-year-old’s wickets included key dismissals of Alex Carey and Mitchell Owen as Australia slipped to 198/6 in the 38th over. Supported by Washington Sundar’s 2/44 and Axar Patel’s 1/18, Rana’s bowling ensured India maintained pressure throughout the innings. Mohammed Siraj also contributed with 1/24. Chasing 237, India made light work of the target as Rohit Sharma struck an unbeaten 121 off 125 balls and Virat Kohli added 74 not out off 81. The pair shared an unbroken 168-run stand after Rohit and Shubman Gill (24) put on 69 for the opening wicket.
Harshit Rana on Instagram
India completed the chase in 38.3 overs to cap their tour on a strong note. The performance came amid online criticism surrounding Rana’s inclusion in India’s ODI squad. Former selector Kris Srikkanth had earlier labelled him a “constant yes man” to head coach Gautam Gambhir, remarks that sparked widespread reaction. Rana’s showing at the SCG drew praise from fans and teammates alike, with many pointing to his response on the field as the best answer to criticism. His figures were the standout of India’s bowling attack and played a decisive role in restricting Australia. The controversy had prompted senior players and experts to speak out against personal criticism of young cricketers. Ravichandran Ashwin, addressing the issue on his YouTube channel, said, “I have always believed that no player should be attacked below the belt. When criticism turns personal, it crosses a line.”
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He added, “Imagine Harshit sees harsh criticism just before he is about to play for India. How would that affect him? It’s fine to critique skills, technique, or style, but it shouldn’t get personal.”Hours after the win in Sydney, the bowler took to Instagram, where he hadn’t posted ever since the start of the series, and gave the perfect response to his critics. With the caption “Not just a win, a statement of unity, belief and teamwork. Eleven players. One heartbeat,” the pacer let his feelings be known after he finished the series as the highest wicket-taker with six scalps. With his four-wicket haul in Sydney, Rana showed that his focus is fully on performance and composure, and not on what happens online.
