Harshit Rana Pushed to Bowl at 150 kph to Realize India Dream: 'At 125, not even a local club would consider you'

As the team prepares to switch back to traditional red-ball Test matches in just five days, the upcoming match in Brisbane poses a potential dilemma for Harshit. With rumors circulating that Mohammed Shami is ready to make his return and Akash Deep waiting in the wings, Harshit's spot in the team is no longer guaranteed. Facing this uncertainty early in his career, Rana may find solace in remembering the advice his father once gave him. Embracing the unpredictability of cricket and staying focused on his own performance will be key for Harshit as he navigates this challenging period. The competition for spots in the team will only serve to make him stronger, pushing him to constantly improve and prove his worth on the field.

"I have challenged him to bowl 150 kph. I have told him I will consider you a player the day you touch 150 kph," Pradeep Rana, Harshit's father and a former hammer thrower and weightlifter for CRPF, told Indian Express. "If you bowl 150 kph, no one will stop you from playing for India, but if you will bowl 125 kph, even a local club will not select you."

Time is on Harshit Rana's side

Harshit is just 22. With time, his muscles will grow, and the pace will increase. But Harshit knows that the competition is stiff. The likes of Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan too are waiting to get a taste of Test cricket. Harshit has all the makings of a fierce fast bowler. His flying kisses to batters during the IPL landed him a suspension, and his exchange with former KKR teammate Mitchell Starc during the Perth Test made headlines, but all that would lead to nothing if Harshit doesn't crank it up.

India require a tearaway pacer. Shami and Siraj are good, but ever since Umran Malik faded, the need for a fast bowler who can regularly bowl in the late 140s is an asset in SENA nations. In Shami, Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah, India still have their top three sorted, but when even one of them starts losing steam, one of Arshdeep, Harshit, Avesh would be next in line. Oh, and then there's Yash Dayal, who has been fast-tracked into the Indian Test set-up.

Harshit is currently bowling in the late-120s and mid-130s, but that's only job half done. On Australian pitches, especially, anything less than 140-142 may not be enough. He was assisted by the wicket at Perth, then not so much in Adelaide. If given a chance, Brisbane could be Harshit's final opportunity to keep his India Test dream alive.

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