Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has showered praise on Harshit Rana for consistently performing for the team ahead of the third ODI against South Africa. Rana returned with figures of 1-70 in his quota of 10 overs but didn’t have the rub of the green on his side as he bowled decently in the Powerplay overs in the second ODI against the Proteas at Raipur.
Meanwhile, the fast bowler from Delhi returned with impressive figures of 4-39 in 8.4 overs he bowled in the third ODI against Australia at Sydney. The lanky pacer continued his good form, returning with figures of 3-65 in the opening ODI against South Africa at the JSCA International Sports Complex, Ranchi on Sunday.
The 23-year-old pacer was able to account for Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock in the Powerplay overs. Rana also dismissed Dewald Brevis in the middle overs.
Irfan Pathan said on his YouTube Channel, “Harshit Rana has had to endure a lot of criticism. But look at him now. He consistently performs and takes wickets. He has picked up three or more wickets atleast three or four times. So he has been doing his job inspite of the criticisms.”
“Likewise, if India remains patient with Prasidh Krishna, given his height and pace, he’ll also have a chance to deliver performances. 33 wickets in 20 matches means he’s taking 1.5 wickets per game. So it’s not a bad record in ODIs.”
On the other hand, Pathan said Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami should be backed if they are at the top of their fitness, but not at the expense of Prasidh Krishna.
“Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami should be back if their fitness is at a high level. I feel the door is not closed on them. But that doesn’t mean if Prasidh Krishna has one or two matches, he should be dropped. The situation we are in, managing Bumrah’s workload, Shami being left out because of fitness issues, and though he is proving in domestic cricket with stellar performances that his fitness is back, and though Mohammed Siraj looks like he’ll be back and become a regular in ODIs, is it worthwhile having just two or three fast bowlers to do the job?,” said Pathan.
“Other fast bowlers must be prepared. If you don’t, a fast bowling unit, which is paramount, will not be available. When Akash Deep played in England, he could do so because he was well prepared and had played in the prior few series. So it’s important to back pacers for some time. Those who are playing must be backed. Also, these are tough conditions.”
The third and final ODI between India and South Africa will be played at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam, on Saturday.
