Delhi: The Indian team for the ODI series against Sri Lanka has been announced. This team includes 22-year-old fast bowler Harshit Rana, who performed brilliantly for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Harshit took 19 wickets for KKR last season, which earned him a place in the national team. When Harshit got the news of being included in the Indian ODI team, he said, “Hearts may break in Delhi, but we never lose courage.”

Harshit, a resident of South Extension, Delhi, worked hard from the junior level, but he was often ignored. Harshit said, “I believe in hard work, but whenever I was ignored in the age group team, I would be heartbroken and I would sit in my room and cry. My father Pradeep never gave up hope.”

Harshit named three key people for his career – his father Pradeep, his personal coach Amit Bhandari (former Indian and Delhi fast bowler), and Gautam Gambhir. Harshit said, “If my approach towards the game has changed, it has a lot to do with Gautam Gambhir's presence in the KKR dressing room, who changed my mindset. At the top level, along with skill, one needs heart to handle pressure.”

'You will win the match'

Recalling his conversation with Gautam Gambhir, Harshit said, “Gauti bhaiya always told me, 'I have faith in you. You will win the match.'”

It is worth noting that Harshit's journey is a story of his hard work and determination, in which his family and coach have contributed significantly. Now it remains to be seen how he will perform in the upcoming limited overs series against Sri Lanka at the international level.