Amit Bhandari: The Unsung Hero Behind Harshit Rana's Rise As A Bowler

Harshit Rana has taken significant steps in his cricket career, earning another call-up to the Indian team for the ODI series in Sri Lanka. The 22-year-old pacer was previously part of the squad for the Zimbabwe series but did not get a chance to play. With three matches scheduled in Sri Lanka, he may finally get his opportunity.

In his early days as an aspiring bowler, Harshit was greatly influenced by a former India player who is not Gautam Gambhir. Although Gambhir played a role in his development, it was another Indian cricketer who honed his bowling skills. Former India pacer Amit Bhandari coached Harshit at the Delhi Players Academy and was crucial to his progress.

Bhandari, who had a brief stint with the Indian team, played a pivotal role in shaping Harshit's career. Harshit expressed gratitude towards Bhandari and his assistant Narinder Singh Negi for their guidance. "If you talk about skill-set, then Bhandai sir and Negi sir have been my personal coaches for past two years," Harshit told PTI after receiving his India call-up.

Harshit made a strong impression during IPL 2024, taking 19 wickets for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). His pace and variations, including slower balls, caught everyone's attention. This performance helped him secure a spot in the Indian team.

Bhandari recalled working on Harshit's technique: "What I saw was a nice run-up but once he reached the crease, after load-up, everything needed a bit of work. The non-bowling hand, alignment and he was ready to work," Bhandari said to PTI.

Bhandari's efforts in fine-tuning Harshit's action have paid off. Now, the young pacer aims to make an impact on the international stage if given the chance.

The journey from domestic cricket to international recognition has been challenging yet rewarding for Harshit Rana. With dedicated coaching and impressive performances in domestic leagues like IPL, he stands on the brink of making a mark globally.