‘My competitive attitude is very similar to Australia's’ - Harshit Rana after call-up for BGT 2024-25

Ace pacer Harshit Rana has been called up for the coming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which is slated to begin on November 22. It is his maiden call-up in the longest format and he is hoping to make a mark in the marquee series Down Under. Recently, Rana proved his value with a five-wicket haul and a half-century against Assam in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024-25.

Meanwhile, reflecting upon his call-up, the pacer noted that his competitive attitude is very similar to that of Australia’s and that he is proud of making it to India’s 18-member squad. He also added that his father had a dream of Rana playing Test cricket against England at Lord’s but he always preferred to feature against the Aussies.

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“The kind of competitive attitude I like to play cricket with on the field is very similar to Australia's. It was my father's dream that I play a Test against England sometime at Lord's, but I personally like Australia more. I am proud of myself, that my name came up for this tour," Rana told ESPNCricinfo.

I had indications that I might be selected for the Australia tour: Harshit Rana

Rana was named as one of the travelling reserves for the first two Tests against New Zealand. He was spotted practising at the National Cricket Academy during his stay in Bengaluru. That IS when the 22-year-old realised that he might be considered for the series against Australia. Speaking on the same, he stated that the selection was a big deal for him.

“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 the Australia tour is a big deal for me,” he said.

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Notably, Rana has been one of the India probables ever since the end of IPL 2024. He has not made his debut yet but shared that he has grown a lot by just being a part of the team.

“I have been with the Indian team continuously since the IPL and I have learnt a lot of things there. This lesson is not only about cricket but also about life, how a sportsperson advances in his career and life. Even as a cricketer, I have grown a lot by being with the Indian team," Rana said.