Indian fast bowler Harshit Rana endured a rollercoaster of emotions during the opening ODI of the three-match India vs New Zealand series in Vadodara on Sunday, January 11. What began as a moment of unnecessary showmanship quickly turned into an awkward viral clip before the young pacer redeemed himself with two crucial wickets that swung momentum back in India’s favour.
The incident that grabbed immediate attention happened on the very first ball of the 24th over at the Kotambi Stadium. Rana steamed in at close to 142 kmph and delivered a sharp back-of-a-length ball to Devon Conway. The left-hander punched it straight back towards the bowler, giving Rana a straightforward chance to stop a single. Instead of making a simple throw at the non-striker’s end, Rana attempted a flashy no-look flick, trying to look clever rather than clinical.
The gamble backfired badly. His throw sailed well wide of the stumps, allowing Conway and Will Young to stroll through for an easy run. In international cricket, where every run matters, the moment stood out as a classic case of confidence tipping into overconfidence, and social media was quick to pounce on the error.
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But what followed showed why Harshit Rana continues to be backed by the Indian team management and head coach Gautam Gambhir. Instead of letting the embarrassment affect him, the Delhi pacer hit back with the ball in hand. Bowling from around the wicket, Rana produced a fuller delivery that jagged back in slightly. Conway, looking to drive on the up, got an inside edge and the ball crashed into the stumps. The dangerous opener was dismissed for 56 off 67 balls, breaking a solid partnership and reducing New Zealand to 126 for 2.
— Drizzyat12Kennyat8 (@45kennyat7PM) January 11, 2026
#Harshit needs to refine the alignment on his delivery stride soon. Else, he will run the risk of succumbing to a lower back injury. I will be delighted if I am proved wrong..#injuryprevention#indvnz
— WV Raman (@wvraman) January 11, 2026
Rana wasn’t done yet. Earlier, in the 22nd over, he had been taken apart by Henry Nicholls, who smashed him for two boundaries in quick succession. Showing maturity beyond his years, Rana switched to his slower ball, pitching it wide and full like a disguised yorker. Nicholls went hard for another big hit but only managed a thin edge, and KL Rahul completed a sharp catch behind the stumps. Nicholls walked back for a well-made 62 off 69 balls, and once again Rana had delivered when India desperately needed a breakthrough.
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While his performance under pressure impressed many, former India cricketer and ex-women’s team coach WV Raman offered a note of caution. Taking to X, Raman pointed out that Rana’s delivery stride alignment could become a long-term issue if not corrected. He warned that the young fast bowler could be at risk of lower-back injuries if he does not refine his action, adding that he would be happy to be proven wrong.
In Vadodara, Harshit Rana showed both sides of his personality — the raw, impulsive youngster and the match-winning fast bowler. If he can find the right balance between aggression and discipline, Indian cricket could have a special talent on its hands for the future.
