India’s team management silenced critics in style by retaining young pacer Harshit Rana in the playing XI for the third ODI against Australia — and the 22-year-old delivered a match-winning spell that justified their faith. Despite facing questions over his selection after two quiet outings, Harshit produced a stunning performance, taking 4 wickets for 39 runs in 8.4 overs to dismantle the Australian batting order.
His fiery spell restricted the hosts to 236 runs in 46.4 overs, setting up India’s comfortable nine-wicket victory as they successfully chased down the target in just 38.3 overs. After the match, head coach Gautam Gambhir praised Harshit’s determination and composure in the post-match dressing room speech shared by the BCCI.
“Special mention to Harshit; that was an outstanding spell,” Gautam Gambhir said. “Stay humble, stay grounded, and keep working hard. This is just the start, not the end.”
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Gambhir also lauded the entire Indian unit for their hunger and collective effort, emphasizing how the bowlers turned the game after Australia’s strong start. “At 63 for no loss after 10 overs, things looked tough. But from there, to bowl them out for 237 was an outstanding team effort,” he said.
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The bowlers’ brilliance was complemented by a captain’s knock from Rohit Sharma, who scored 121 off 135 balls — his 50th international century and ninth against Australia in ODIs. Virat Kohli also found form, remaining unbeaten on 74 off 81 balls as the duo stitched together a 168-run stand for the second wicket.
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With this dominant win, India avoided a whitewash and ended the series on a high note. For Harshit Rana, the performance marked a defining moment — one that may well secure his place in India’s future ODI plans.
