A month-old podcast clip of veteran India pacer Sandeep Sharma has resurfaced at the perfect time, going viral soon
after Harshit Rana delivered a decisive three-wicket spell in the first ODI against South Africa in Ranchi. With critics
long questioning why Gautam Gambhir and the selectors have backed the young quick so firmly, Sharma’s remarks have
offered a clear explanation of the long-term thinking behind Rana’s continued selection.
On Talk with Manvendra, Sharma explained that Rana’s selection was not based on sentiment but on clear long-term
projection. He said that once selectors identify a rare skillset, the next step is to allow that talent enough time to
IND vs SA 1st ODI: Highlights
“You either identify a skill or a talent, or once you identify that talent, you give it enough time to mature. That’s
what has happened with him. He bowls over 140, has good height, a strong build If you work with him for a couple of
years, he can become a very good bowler.”
Sharma added that developing fast bowlers is always a gamble, and selectors knowingly take that risk.
“If you pick five such players, only one or two turn out well. Three or four times you will be wrong. That is why it is
tough for selectors because they have to take chances. He is 23 to 24 and will have to play, take a few hits and grow.”
Those comments gained renewed relevance after Rana’s performance in Ranchi, playing a big role in India's 17-run win
over a equally powerful South Africa. Sharing the new ball with Arshdeep Singh, the 23-year-old dismissed Ryan Rickelton
and Quinton de Kock in the space of three balls. The first was beaten through the gate by an inswinger, and the second
was caught behind off a delivery that shaped away. He later removed Dewald Brevis with a slower ball, producing three
crucial breakthroughs in India’s defence of 350.
India captain KL Rahul backed the youngster strongly after the match, calling him exactly the kind of fast bowler India
“Harshit is special. Someone tall, someone who can bowl fast, someone who hits the deck. That is what India has been
looking for. He is still developing, but we see great potential.”
Rana’s progress has not been free of criticism. During India’s tour of Australia, former cricketer Krishnamachari
Srikkanth controversially labelled him a “yes man” to Gambhir. Gambhir called the remark “shameful” and insisted Rana
was picked purely on ability. With 19 wickets in nine ODIs and back-to-back impactful spells in Australia and now
Ranchi, Rana appears to be repaying the selectors’ trust.