KKR pacer Harshit Rana shares his inspiring journey of self-transformation that helped him force his way into the Indian Squad.
Harshit Rana’s path to India’s Test squad for the upcoming Australia tour wasn’t carved with sheer talent alone. In a recent interview with The Indian Express, he revealed that it took an intense transformation — shedding a staggering 17 kilograms — to finally find himself on the selectors’ radar.
The young fast bowler, known for his raw pace, had been derailed by injuries until this crucial decision to prioritize fitness.
“Missing an entire Ranji Trophy season because of a hamstring injury was my wake-up call. I realized I needed to give everything to my fitness if I wanted a shot at playing for India,” Harshit told The Indian Express.
The 22-year-old’s determination paid off when he lost the weight between November 2023 and March 2024, right before the IPL season. He credits his father, Pradeep Rana, a former CRPF athlete, for standing by him during his worst days.
“During my teenage years, I was breaking down too often, and it was my father who kept me going. He told me it was okay if I didn’t become a cricketer, but he wanted me to give my best,” Harshit said, adding, “This call-up to the Indian team is for him.”
Pradeep remembers the relentless series of injuries his son suffered — back, groin, calf, even shoulder issues that left them with more questions than answers.
“Every part of his body was injured at some point,” Pradeep recounted. “I took him to so many hospitals, consulted with specialists, and even tried Ayurvedic treatments in Najafgarh. But nothing seemed to be a permanent fix. We just left it to destiny after a while.”
The tide began to turn for Harshit after the inspiring Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in 2020-21, where he saw Indian players put their bodies on the line to clinch an unlikely victory in Australia.
Watching Pujara endure blows and Ashwin bat through back pain, Harshit felt a newfound motivation.
“I was struggling with stress fractures back then, and seeing them fight through their injuries motivated me. That series made me more determined to play for the country,” he said.
Once he made up his mind, Harshit committed himself entirely to his fitness. Losing 17 kilograms transformed him not just physically but also mentally, helping him approach the game with renewed focus.
“I’ve been injury-free for seven months now, and it’s a huge relief. It feels like the weight loss gave me a fresh start,” he admitted.
In the 2024 IPL season, his disciplined approach paid dividends, with match-winning performances for the Kolkata Knight Riders catching the eye of selectors. Now, with a coveted spot in India’s squad for the Test series against Australia, Harshit is ready to live out the dream he once watched on early winter mornings as a child, waking up to watch India play down under.
“My father’s dream is to see me bowl in England, but I’ve always wanted to play against Australia. They play the same brand of cricket as I do — aggressive and intense,” he said.
For Harshit, this tour is more than a debut opportunity. It’s a reward for his hard work, perseverance, determination and passion to play for the country, his father’s unwavering support, and the power of relentless self-improvement.
