KKR pacer sheds 17kg for Australia tour: 'Every part of his body transformed'

New Delhi: Harshit's unexpected selection to replace Shami raised eyebrows, especially with seasoned players like Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan already in the mix. However, his stellar performances with the Kolkata Knight Riders and mentorship from Gautam Gambhir played a key role in his selection. Harshit's journey to the top was filled with obstacles, but he showed true resilience by overcoming them. He worked hard to improve his fitness, shedding an impressive 17 kilograms in preparation for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

“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 many young cricket enthusiasts, Harshit was inspired by India’s thrilling Test series in Australia, with his father, Pradeep Rana, making sure he was awake in time to witness the exciting matches unfold. Harshit had no choice but to tune in, and as India delivered a series of remarkable performances, including their victories in the last two matches to level the series in 2003/04, it ignited both his and his father’s dreams of one day donning the India jersey.

However, those dreams soon faced a setback as Harshit encountered a series of injuries during his early years. The severity of these injuries led his father, Pradeep, to resign himself to the possibility that his son might never play cricket again. Yet, Harshit persevered and worked tirelessly to overcome these challenges, a journey made possible by his father’s unwavering support and commitment to help him get back on his feet.

“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 relentless determination displayed by some of India’s stars during the last Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia greatly inspired Harshit. Witnessing Cheteshwar Pujara absorb blows to his body, Hanuma Vihari bat through a torn hamstring, Ravichandran Ashwin salvage the Sydney Test with a bad back, and Navdeep Saini bowl despite an injured groin left a lasting impression on him. However, it is his father, Pradeep, whose unwavering support and encouragement have been instrumental in helping the young pacer reach this point in his career.

“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.”