Harshit Rana Overcomes Early Hammering to Shine on ODI Debut Against England

Nagpur, February 6, 2025: Young Indian pacer Harshit Rana experienced a fiery introduction to ODI cricket, conceding 26 runs in an over to England opener Phil Salt in the first ODI at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium. However, the debutant showed resilience, bouncing back to claim two key wickets in his first spell.

After Mohammed Shami began the innings with a maiden over, Rana found himself on the receiving end of Salt's aggressive stroke play. The English opener smashed him for a 6,4,6,4,6 sequence in his second over, propelling England past 50 runs in just 36 balls. Despite the early hammering, Rana displayed composure and struck back in his comeback spell.

His first ODI wicket came when Ben Duckett mistimed a pull shot, with debutant Yashasvi Jaiswal taking a stunning diving catch at midwicket. Shortly after, Rana dismissed Harry Brook for a duck with a well-directed bouncer, forcing a glove to wicketkeeper KL Rahul.

At the end of his first spell (5 overs, 2/43, including a maiden over), Rana had helped India fight back into the match, making a strong case for a Champions Trophy selection.