AUS vs IND 2025: Abhishek Sharma Reveals Why Harshit Rana Was Sent Ahead of Shivam Dube at MCG
Abhishek Sharma praises Harshit Rana’s calm batting at MCG, revealing the young pacer often smashes him for sixes in practice.
India opener Abhishek Sharma was full of praise for Harshit Rana after the young fast bowler’s surprise promotion up the order paid off in the second T20I against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Despite India’s shaky start, Rana showed great calmness under pressure, adding a vital 56-run stand with Abhishek to help India recover past the 100-run mark.
Coming in to bat at No. 6 ahead of Shivam Dube, Rana played a mature knock of 35 runs, steadying the innings when India had lost early wickets. Speaking after the match, Abhishek revealed that Rana’s batting ability was no secret to him.
“I knew Harshit could bat, he hits sixes off me a lot in the nets,” Abhishek said with a smile. “He told me, ‘let’s play a little normal’, and that helped. The right-left combination worked really well and that’s why he was sent ahead of Dube.”
Although Rana went wicketless in his two overs, his crucial contribution with the bat justified his selection over Arshdeep Singh. The 22-year-old showed impressive temperament for someone primarily known for his bowling.
Abhishek, meanwhile, continued his fine form, smashing a brilliant 68 off 37 balls even as the Australian pacers, led by Josh Hazlewood, ripped through India’s top order.
His innings, filled with crisp drives and fearless lofted shots, was one of the few positives for India in an otherwise tough outing as the team was bowled out for 125.
Reflecting on his own approach, Abhishek said he always tries to put pressure back on the bowlers.
“That’s my game. It can go either way sometimes, but the captain and coach have always backed me to play freely. That belief gives me a lot of confidence,” he said.
