In a surprise move during India’s innings at the MCG, Harshit Rana walked in to bat after Axar Patel’s dismissal — ahead of established finisher Shivam Dube. With India reeling at 49/5, many expected Dube to take charge, but the team management opted to send the young pacer instead, raising eyebrows across social media.
The decision has sparked debate among fans, with many questioning whether India are deliberately testing Harshit Rana’s batting credentials in a pressure situation. With Arshdeep Singh already in the XI, several netizens earlier wondered why Rana was preferred — speculating that the team sees him as a potential bowling all-rounder option for the future.
Rana’s promotion adds weight to that theory, hinting that India may be exploring depth in the lower-middle order and assessing whether the youngster can develop into a multi-dimensional asset, especially ahead of long-term T20 planning.
Now under the spotlight, Rana has an opportunity to justify the faith and prove he can contribute with both bat and ball at the international stage — a test that begins tonight under immense pressure.
