India’s record in pink ball Tests is not something to boast about and in any case, the team should be dreading the upcoming contest in Adelaide. But the Men in Blue do possess a formidable pace unit that is a perfect blend of experience and youth. While the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia has always allowed India to unearth fresh talent, there is a breakout star on the rise this time around as well. It is none other than Harshit Rana.
IND vs AUS: Is Harshit Rana India’s best pink ball weapon?
Harshit Rana punched this ticket to Australia following some stellar and consistent performances in domestic cricket. The Delhi bowler grabbed eyeballs in IND vs AUS 1st Test with his sheer pace and wicket-taking ability. On Sunday, he made the most of India’s pink ball warm-up game against Prime Minister’s XI. In a format of Test cricket that he probably has never played before, Rana displayed some brilliant bowling, managing to finish the game with four wickets to his name. He finished with figures of 4/44 from six overs as India won the match by 6 wickets.
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Harshit Rana hitting the right chord just before IND vs AUS 2nd Test is a mighty boost for India ahead of the Adelaide challenge. Rana has become an integral part of the Indian pace attack in Down Under that comprises of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Rohit Sharma and co. are unlikely to change the combination of the team barring the return of Shubman Gill and the skipper himself. This means Harshit Rana is all set to retain his spot in the XI for the Day-Night Test and will have a crucial role to play.
Ravichandran Ashwin has been the top wicket-taker in Pink Ball Tests with 18 scalps. Jasprit Bumrah has bagged 10 wickets in three Tests. With Ashwin set to warm the bench again in Adelaide, India are left with very few pink ball weapons barring Bumrah. This is where the Harshit Rana boost will be the best for the Men in Blue.
India’s record in Pink Ball Test
India has an impeccable record in the three-day/night Tests they have played at home. However, their sole pink-ball Test on foreign soil, played in Australia, ended in a crushing defeat where they were bowled out for just 36 runs in one innings.
| Result | Opposition | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Won by inns & 46 runs | Bangladesh | Eden Gardens | 2019 |
| Lost by 8 wickets | Australia | Adelaide | 2020 |
| India won by 10 wickets | England | Ahmedabad | 2021 |
| India won by 238 runs | Sri Lanka | Bengaluru | 2022 |
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