India’s young seam-bowling all-rounder Harshit Rana has spoken glowingly about his new-ball partnership with Arshdeep Singh, crediting the left-arm pacer’s experience and control for helping him settle into pressure situations at the international level. Following India’s convincing seven-wicket win in the third T20I against South Africa at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala, Rana underlined how bowling in tandem with Arshdeep has made a significant difference to his own rhythm and confidence.
With Jasprit Bumrah unavailable due to personal reasons, India handed the responsibility of leading the pace attack to Arshdeep and Rana in helpful seam conditions. The duo responded in style, striking early and reducing South Africa to trouble inside the powerplay. Their combined figures of 4 for 47 from eight overs laid the foundation for India’s dominance, as the visitors never truly recovered from the early pressure.
“First of all, I always enjoy bowling with Arshdeep with the new ball,” Harshit Rana said in a video shared by the BCCI. “He’s someone who creates pressure from one end. I just try to support him in whatever way I can. He has so much experience, and as a young bowler, I get a lot of help from him.”
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For Rana, that clarity of roles—one bowler building pressure, the other attacking—has been key to their success. The match in Dharamsala was especially memorable for Rana, who revealed that he was informed of his inclusion in the playing XI only at midnight before the game. Playing at the picturesque venue for the first time, he thoroughly enjoyed the conditions.
“I’ve never been to Dharamsala before. The weather helps fast bowlers a lot, and it’s really fun bowling here,” he said, highlighting how the movement on offer allowed him to bowl with freedom.
For Arshdeep Singh, the performance was also a timely response after a difficult outing in the second T20I at New Chandigarh, where he conceded 54 runs, including a costly over with seven wides. Named Player of the Match in Dharamsala for his figures of 2 for 13, Arshdeep credited the team environment for helping him bounce back.
“I always try to stay level, whether it’s a good day or a bad one,” he said. “International cricket brings pressure, especially when you’re away from family. But the dressing room support really helps you move on quickly.” Arshdeep also shared a light-hearted moment involving bowling coach Morne Morkel, joking that on a wicket like Dharamsala’s, the former South Africa pacer might have played ahead of him. The comment stemmed from the previous match, where television cameras repeatedly zoomed in on Morkel after Arshdeep’s wides. “After every wide, the camera was straight on the coach,” Arshdeep laughed. “I’ll try to give him less screen time next time.”
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Morkel took the humour in good spirit, revealing he received plenty of messages from players across formats about his unexpected screen presence. More importantly, the bowling coach was delighted with the response from his attack. Praising the comeback, Morkel described the performance as “beautiful” and couldn’t resist admiring Dharamsala’s scenic charm, calling it one of his favourite grounds in the world.
