Indian cricketer sheds 17kg for AUS tour, father's restless nights after devastating setback: 'Part of his body...'

Harshit's selection as Shami's replacement may have come as a surprise to many, considering the presence of players like Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan who had already represented India in white-ball cricket. However, his impressive performance with Kolkata Knight Riders, where he learned under the guidance of Gautam Gambhir, likely played a significant role in his selection. Harshit's journey to the top was not without challenges, as he had to overcome a difficult past filled with obstacles. Despite this, he showed the determination and dedication of a true warrior by focusing on his fitness and losing an incredible 17 kilograms leading up to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. His hard work and perseverance ultimately paid off, earning him a well-deserved spot in the Indian team.

"The team management is looking after my workload. I just want to play for India whether it is T20s, ODIs or Test matches. I see myself as a three-format bowler," Harshit told The Indian Express.

Like any young cricket fan growing up, Harshit was spurred by India's Test series in Australia, with his father Pradeep Rana ensuring his son woke up in time to catch the riveting action playing out Down Under. Harshit had no choice, and as India put up a string of wonderful performances in Australia, including winning the last two and levelling it in 2003/04, it fuelled Harshit and his father's ambitions of one day wearing the India jersey.

But those hopes soon hit a roadblock as Harshit's early years were marred by one injury after the other. The nature of the injuries was so severe that father Pradeep at one stage had made peace with the fact that his son may never be able to play cricket. But while Harshit has gone above and beyond to turn the tide in his favour, credit also goes to Rana senior for doing everything possible to get his son up and running.

"First it was back, then it was groin, then calf and a niggle in the shoulder. Every part of his body was injured. During that time, I had taken him to many hospitals just to understand why he is breaking down. I even took him to an Ayurveda facility in Najafgarh. Whatever knowledge I gained from watching videos, and reading news items, I tried everything," Pradeep told Express.

The dogged and inspired effort put in by some of India's stars during the last BGT in Australia played a role in motivating Harshit. The manner in which Cheteshwar Pujara took blows to his body, how Hanuma Vihari batted with a torn hamstring, Ravichandran Ashwin saving the Sydney Test with a bad back and Navdeep Saini bowling with an injured groin, collectively left an impact on Harshit's mind. But if it weren't for his father, the young pacer wouldn't be where he is today.

"During my teenage years I was getting injured too often and my father stood like a rock behind me. He told me that it was okay even if I don’t become a professional cricketer. Whatever I am today, it is because of my father," Harshit said.

"My father's dream is to watch me play in England. But I always wanted to play against Australia because I am competitive in nature and Australia also plays the same brand of cricket. I am really looking forward to this tour."