On the second day of IND vs AUS 1st Test in Perth, there was a fun moment on the field. Australian pacer Mitchell Starc playfully teased Indian debutant Harshit Rana during the match. As both know each other, the banter remained funny. While, Rana was bowling, Strac said “I bowl faster than you, I have got a long memory.”
IPL bond turned rivalry
Starc and Rana know each other from their time together with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) during the 2024 IPL season. They helped KKR win the title and built a good company. Their friendly banter showed the respect they have for each other, even as they competed internationally.
Harshit Rana’s impactful debut
Harshit Rana had an eventful debut. Alongside Nitish Kumar Reddy, he had a mixed day. Rana made 7 runs from five balls and took the wickets of Travis Head and Nathan Lyon with his bowling. Rana’s journey to the international stage is not easy.
He has consistently performed well in first-class cricket. In just 10 First-Class matches, he has taken 43 wickets, including two instances of taking five wickets in an innings and one ten-wicket match haul. His excellent performance in the Duleep Trophy earlier this season, where he picked up eight wickets in two games, showcased him as a rising talent.
A promising future
Rana’s impressive debut shows his potential and adaptability to different formats. While Starc’s playful comments added some fun, they also remind us of the challenges Rana will face as he advances in international cricket. For now, he can feel proud of his impactful start in Test cricket.
