India pacer Harshit Rana credited captain Jasprit Bumrah and star batter Virat Kohli for their constant guidance during the ongoing Perth Test against Australia, which proved instrumental in his impressive debut performance. The 22-year-old, handed his debut alongside all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy in the high-stakes Border Gavaskar Trophy opener, made a significant impact with a crucial 3/48 spell that helped India seize control of the match.
Speaking at the post-Day 2 press conference, Rana acknowledged the support of Bumrah and Kohli, emphasising how their advice bolstered his confidence and helped him navigate the challenges of the spicy Perth pitch and the Australia batters. The young pacer, who dismissed key players, including the dangerous Travis Head, revealed how both senior players guided him on his lines, lengths, and mental approach, ensuring he stayed focused under pressure.
AUS vs IND, Perth Test Day 2: Highlights
“Jassi bhai (Jasprit Bumrah) kept telling me what to do and Virat bhai also gave advice. These things helps a lot. Jassi Bhai or Virat bhai, whoever came on, they kept giving me inputs as to what should be done in bowling, where to put the ball, where not to put it. So that thing brought a different confidence in myself that ‘yes they are telling me then I will do well’,” Rana said.
India’s bowlers turned the tide of the match after the team’s batters struggled on Day 1, managing only 150 runs. While Bumrah led the charge with a phenomenal 5/30 spell, Rana’s three wickets and Mohammed Siraj’s 2/20 added to a collective bowling masterclass that saw Australia bundled out for just 104. Rana’s dismissal of Travis Head, who had been in excellent form leading into the series, was particularly pivotal, cutting short Australia’s chances of building any momentum.
On Day 2, India’s batting fortunes were revived by openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who delivered an unbeaten 172-run partnership. Both players showcased resilience and adaptability, with Jaiswal nearing his maiden Test century on Australian soil and Rahul silencing critics with a composed and unbeaten 62. Their efforts helped India secure a commanding 218-run lead by stumps, setting the stage for a thrilling Day 3.
Rana’s stellar debut, coupled with the collective brilliance of India’s bowling attack and the resurgence of the openers, has positioned the team in a dominant spot. With the guidance of stalwarts like Bumrah and Kohli, Rana’s performance not only highlighted his potential but also demonstrated the team’s ability to nurture young talent in high-pressure situations.
