Gautam Gambhir has finally explained why he places so much trust in young pacer Harshit Rana. His comments came after India won the ODI series against South Africa and have sparked fresh interest in the team’s long term planning.
Why Gambhir Sees Harshit as Special
To Gambhir, Harshit is not just another fast bowler. He believes Harshit can address an important problem for India in the coming years. His potential makes him valuable beyond his current experience.
Preparing Harshit for the No. 8 Role
Gambhir said the team plans to prepare Harshit as a long term No. 8. India are already looking ahead to the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, where three fast bowlers may be needed. For proper balance, the No. 8 needs to bat well, and Harshit fits this requirement.
Harshit’s Numbers Back the Plan
Harshit’s first class stats support this vision. He has one century, two fifties, and an average of 31.18 from 14 matches. These numbers show that he can grow into a reliable bowling all rounder.
Praise for the Young Pace Unit
Gambhir also praised Harshit, Arshdeep Singh, and Prasidh Krishna for the way they handled the series against South Africa. Each of them has played fewer than 15 ODIs, yet they showed confidence and control.
Building a New Core for Future Tours
He said the team wants to give more matches to bowlers who lack ODI experience. This will help them prepare for tougher tours and major tournaments. With Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj not part of the current ODI group, India are building a new core.
India’s Long Term Vision for No. 8
Gambhir called Harshit a long term project. If he grows well as a bowling all rounder, India could finally gain the balance they need at No. 8. This makes his development crucial for the future.
