Harshit Rana Praises Kohli and Rohit’s Influence, Says New ODI Ball-Change Rule “Very Helpful” for Fast Bowlers
India fast bowler Harshit Rana says sharing the dressing room with senior stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma has had a transformative effect on his early international career, describing the team atmosphere as “very happy” and supportive ahead of the second ODI against South Africa.
Rana, 23, has played 16 matches for India, nine of them alongside Kohli and Rohit. Still establishing himself as a regular in India’s white-ball setup, he credited the veteran duo for guiding him through pressure moments and helping him refine his game.
“It is a big thing for me, and for the entire team too,” Rana said on Tuesday. “If such experienced players are with you in the dressing room and on the field, the environment stays great. Everyone wants to be better. They always want youngsters to improve. When I am bowling, they tell me how to bowl better. When a player gets such a great team environment, things automatically go well.”
Rana said the senior players consistently offer clarity and encouragement, especially in tight situations. “They back you and tell you what next steps you should take. As a youngster, this really helps you, because when you are on the field—in a pressure situation—they help you out a lot.”
Learning the New-Ball Role
Known for his deceptive slower balls and middle-overs skills, Rana has recently begun taking on new-ball duties. He opened the bowling in the first ODI on Sunday, striking twice in his first over.
“With the new ball, I’ve practiced a lot with Morne [Morkel], and I talk a lot with Arshdeep Singh,” he said. “He has a lot of experience and helps me in practices by telling me how I should bowl better.”
New ODI Ball Rule a Boost for Fast Bowlers
Rana also welcomed the ICC’s revised rule for 50-over cricket, which allows teams to retain one ball of their choosing after the 34th over. The ODI format still begins with two new balls, but from the 35th over onward, only one is used—allowing the fielding side to decide which has aged more favourably.
“You know that bowlers don’t get as much help in today’s cricket,” Rana said. “This rule has been very helpful for us because that one older ball, we always keep in the back of our minds. Whichever ball is older after the 34th over, we try to focus on that.”
He added that bowling in India requires greater reliance on variations across phases. “In each phase, you have to bowl differently: sometimes attacking, sometimes defensive.”
India Consider Middle-Order Adjustment for Second ODI
Ahead of Wednesday’s match, India may revisit their middle-order combination. Rishabh Pant and Tilak Varma spent extended time batting against net bowlers during training, with assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate observing closely.
India lead the three-match series 1–0 after their win in the opening ODI.