Harshit Rana Loses 17kg for Australia Tour, Thanks His Father's Support Amidst Tough Journey

Fast bowler Harshit Rana, part of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has made headlines for shedding an impressive 17 kilograms as he prepares for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia starting November 22. Rana is one of the two new faces in India's squad, filling in for Mohammed Shami, who was left out due to concerns over his match fitness.

Rana's selection comes on the heels of an impressive performance in the Duleep Trophy, where he claimed eight wickets for India D. While players like Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan have previously represented India, Rana's development under KKR's coach Gautam Gambhir played a significant role in his rise.

Rana's journey to this point has not been easy. He faced numerous injuries in his early years, with issues plaguing different parts of his body, including his back, groin, calf, and shoulder. At one point, his father, Pradeep Rana, feared his son might never play cricket again. However, Pradeep’s unwavering support and efforts to understand Harshit's injuries have been instrumental in his son’s recovery and success.

Pradeep recalled, "During that time, I took him to many hospitals just to understand why he kept breaking down. I even sought help at an Ayurveda facility in Najafgarh. Whatever knowledge I gained from watching videos and reading articles, I tried everything." His determination paid off as Harshit not only recovered but transformed his fitness and skillset.

Inspired by the resilience displayed by Indian cricketers in previous series against Australia, such as Cheteshwar Pujara's grit and Hanuma Vihari's tenacity despite injuries, Harshit developed a fierce competitive spirit. "Those performances motivated me. If they could endure pain and play for the team, I wanted to follow in their footsteps," he said.

As he looks forward to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Harshit revealed his father's dream of watching him play in England. However, he harbors his own aspirations of competing against Australia, known for their competitive style of play. “I am really looking forward to this tour,” he remarked.

With his father’s steadfast support and his impressive transformation, Harshit Rana is eager to make his mark on the international stage and fulfill his childhood dreams of representing India.