"Bowled a terrific line and length" - Kris Srikkanth makes an U-turn on Harshit Rana after four-wicket scalp in 3rd ODI

Divy Dubey

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"Bowled a terrific line and length" - Kris Srikkanth makes an U-turn on Harshit Rana after four-wicket scalp in 3rd ODI image

(getty)

Harshit Rana's turnaround performance in Sydney in the third and final ODI of the series might just have silenced his critics — at least for now.

The young Indian pacer, who had a rough start to the Australia ODI series, produced a career-best spell at the Sydney Cricket Ground, helping India clinch a nine-wicket win in the final ODI.

His 4-fer not only sealed the match but also shifted opinions — including that of former India opener and chief selector Kris Srikkanth, who had earlier questioned Rana's selection.

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Harshit Rana's four-wicket haul earns high praise from Srikkanth

Coming into the third ODI, Rana had taken just two wickets across the first two games. Srikkanth was among those who had voiced concern over the pacer's inclusion in the squad.

But after Rana's fiery 4 for 39 at the SCG, the veteran cricketer made a complete U-turn.

"Harshit Rana bowled superbly. Taking four wickets in an ODI is a big achievement. He bowled a terrific line and length. Last match, he got clobbered at the death, but this game, he bowled very well even at the death. He did not bowl short today and did not try too many slower ones," Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.

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Rana's spell dismissed Australia's middle order, restricting them to 236, before India cruised to win behind Rohit Sharma's century and Virat Kohli's unbeaten 74.

"He has got his confidence back" - Srikkanth admits to earlier criticism

Srikkanth didn't shy away from acknowledging his earlier remarks, admitting he had been harsh on the pacer.

"So today, Harshit Rana deserves all the praise. I am very happy for you. Yes, I criticised you a lot, but at the end of the day, you have done very well. He has got his confidence back," he said.

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The former selector added that Rana's resurgence came not just from his bowling but also from showing fight with the bat in the previous game. If this Sydney spell is any indication, Harshit Rana has found both rhythm and belief. And his critics, for now, have gone quiet.

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