Harshit Rana Recalls Father's Dream After Australia Tests Call Up

Delhi pacer Harshit Rana, who earned a call-up to the Indian Test side for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia away from home, said that being selected for the tour is a big deal for him since the competitive attitude he has in his gameplay is very similar to that of the Aussies. Rana was among several fresh faces chosen for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, alongside young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, opener Abhimanyu Easwaran and wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel. 

Speaking after his five-wicket haul against Assam in the Ranji Trophy game at Delhi, Rana said that he had received no indications he was going to be part of the side and it was a "big deal" for him to be selected. 

"Only when the team was announced did I know I was going to Australia. But I had indications that I might be selected for the Australia tour because they had me with the team to prepare. Being selected for Australia tour is a big deal for me. The kind of competitive attitude I like to play cricket with on the field is very similar to Australia's," said Rana as quoted by ESPNCricinfo. 

He also said that it was his father's dream to have him play a Test at Lord's against England, but he likes Australia more. 

"It was my father's dream that I play a Test against England sometime at Lord's, but I personally like Australia more," said Rana. 

Rana, who is yet to make his international debut, has been with India's white-ball teams ever since a breakout Indian Premier League (IPL) season in 2024 with champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), in which the pacer took 19 wickets at an average of 20.15 in 13 matches. 

The 22-year-old said that the exposure and interaction with the Indian team have helped him a lot as a cricketer and a person. 

"I