‘Morkel gives me clarity’

Three years ago Harshit Rana watched Indiarsquos historic 202021 Test series win over Australia at home dreaming of the day he might play on those very grounds Now that dream is turning into reality as Rana one of the three uncapped players in Indiarsquos 18member squad heads to Australia for the BorderGavaskar TrophyDomestic cricket productWith a promising rise in domestic and international cricket Ranarsquos journey reflects his dedication and the advice from seasoned pros and mentors has paved his way to the Test squad Since IPL 2024 Rana has been an integral part of the Indian team travelling with the squad and gaining invaluable exposure Despite not debuting during tours in Zimbabwe Sri Lanka and Bangladesh he has honed his skills with top Indian players absorbing advice from the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj especially regarding lengths and strategies for Australian conditionsMorne MorkelldquoBeing with the team has been valuable I keep talking to Jassi bhai Jasprit Bumrah Siraj bhai and others discussing what lengths and strategies work best there Their insights have been incredibly helpfulrdquo Rana told reporters at Arun Jaitley Stadium after taking 5 for 80 against Assam in Ranji Trophy Elite Group D match on SundayAlso ReadOverview of Indias BorderGavaskar Trophy squad evolution from 2021 to 2024Ranarsquos rise through the IPL was rapid he took 19 wickets in 13 matches in 2024 grabbing attention with an impressive average of 2015 That performance led to his initial India callup for the T20Is on the Zimbabwe tour Although he didnrsquot play the exposure proved invaluable Learning from Indiarsquos bowling coach Morne Morkel Rana focused on refining his craft with specific goals for each sessionldquoMorne Morkel is very invested in our bowling he keeps a close watch on us and tracks what each bowler is doing in the nets He always tells us what we should aim for with each ball This involvement gives me clarity on what I need to do next which is incredibly helpful His main advice to me has been to have a clear purpose with every bowling sessionrdquo said RanaLearning from Kohli RohitOn bowling to Indian star batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in nets Rana says ldquoItrsquos amazing to bowl to them in the nets because they approach net practice with the same intensity as they would in a match Therersquos no room for error you canrsquot bowl anything ordinary Both Virat bhai and Rohit bhai have told me to focus on my lengths and Irsquom working on exactly thatrdquo