Does Harshit Rana get preferential treatment from Gautam Gambhir? Pacer breaks silence on claims | Cricket News

Harshit Rana during the first ODI cricket match of a series between India and South Africa, at JSCA International Stadium Complex, in Ranchi, Jharkhand. (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: Harshit Rana, who has entered the India setup across formats during Gautam Gambhir’s tenure as head coach, said he is not affected by claims that he is receiving preferential treatment. The fast bowler said he avoids outside conversations and focuses only on his work on the field, as India prepare for their next ODI in Raipur.Harshit Rana said he does not pay attention to claims that he is getting preference from India head coach Gautam Gambhir, adding that such talk affects performance and he prefers to stay focused on his cricket.

Rana, 23, has made his India debut in all formats during Gambhir’s stint, beginning with the Perth Test on last year’s Australia tour. His returns have been mixed so far, but Gambhir has continued to support him.“If I start listening to all these things, put them in my mind and take the field, I won’t be able to play cricket,” Rana said when asked about criticism, including from social media. “I try to avoid as much as possible. I just pay attention to what I have to do on the ground. I don’t care about what is happening outside or what someone is saying about me. I just focus on my hard work and what I am going to do on the ground,” he said ahead of India’s training session at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium in Raipur.Rana took 3/65 in the first ODI in Ranchi, taking two early wickets before slightly losing control later in South Africa’s chase.He said he is working with bowling coach Morne Morkel and Arshdeep Singh to improve his new-ball skills.“With the new ball I am practicing a lot with Morne (Morkel) and I keep talking to Arshdeep a lot. I feel that Arshdeep has a lot of experience and he keeps helping and guiding me during practice,” Rana said.On the one-ball rule after the 34th over, Rana said the team checks which of the two balls has aged more before choosing.“You know that bowlers do not get so much help in today’s cricket so this rule is very helpful for us and it is always on the mind to see which ball is getting older. And everyone is involved in choosing that ball,” he said.Rana also said the presence of senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma has supported his growth.“It’s a big deal for me and obviously, for the whole team because if such experienced players stay with you in the field and in the dressing room, then the environment of the team is very good.”