Amid series defeat, Harshit Rana gives India reason to look ahead

Shubman Gill did not hold back in praising Harshit Rana, calling him a 'great' prospect after India's home series loss to New Zealand.

"Coming to Harshit, you don't get that many bowlers who bowl at 140 (kph) consistently with the height that he's got. The way he is batting, if he keeps on improving, he could be really good," the India skipper said of the 24-year-old.

It was a gut-wrenching defeat for India, their first against New Zealand in 37 years across eight visits, but Rana's growth is a silver lining. With Hardik Pandya plagued by frequent injuries, Rana's progress adds a new dimension. A dream scenario would be both all-rounders in the squad for next year's World Cup.

In the limited-overs internationals he has played, Rana has exhibited fiery bowling and high-risk power-hitting. He consistently bowled around 140 kph with steep bounce. His unfettered batting was a surprise revelation; he came close to taking India to an improbable win.

He launched a calculated assault, with a target of 160 runs in about 18 overs coming down to 61 runs in 40 deliveries. Rana scored his maiden half-century (52 off 43 balls). He dominated a 99-run seventh-wicket partnership with Virat Kohli. Rana's eight boundaries were eye-catching for their fearlessness.

There is an element of rusticity to his batting, but also a method in his aggression—he steps out and deposits the ball into vacant areas, unfazed by pace or reputation.

"The way Harshit has batted in this series, coming in at No. 8, it's not easy," Gill said, acknowledging Rana's crucial contribution of six wickets and 83 runs in the series. "He's someone who is really improving in his batting. The position that he is batting at, No. 8, it's a really important position for us."

Rana's development into a pugnacious all-rounder is a tribute to the persistence of head coach Gautam Gambhir, who has worked closely with him since their time at Kolkata Knight Riders.

Rana knows a lot is expected. "My team wants me to bat at No. 8 as an all-rounder… I believe I can score 30-40 runs for the team lower down the order whenever needed," Rana said after the first ODI. He lived up to those words a game later, but bigger challenges await.

No poetic justice for Kohli in the end

It was a night of agony for India and Virat Kohli, whose 108-ball 124—his 54th ODI century—was all class and did not deserve to end on the losing side.

India needed at least one top-order batter to support Kohli, who looked in fluent touch from the start. He was let down by the specialist batters, bogged down by the steep target and scoreboard pressure.

Rana and Nitish Reddy extended some support, but the partnerships were not enough to overhaul New Zealand's 338-run target. It was India's first ever loss in Indore.

Kohli, the chase master, looked in sublime touch. His 10 fours and three sixes were executed with delightful timing and placement. He tried to control the chase while guiding his young partners, but their inexperience did not help.