‘The thrill of representing our country runs deep, It’ll happen again very soon’ - Nitish Rana reflects back on his India debut

On July 23, 2021, Nitish Rana made his international debut against Sri Lanka at the R Premadasa Stadium, in Colombo. As India’s full-strength squad was in the United Kingdom for the rescheduled fifth Test against England, the team management decided to send another team to Sri Lanka and that’s how Rana got an opportunity to make his debut.

However, the cricketer didn’t get a proper opportunity to prove himself in the middle. He is more suited to bat at number three or four but due to the team combination, the 29-year-old had to bat at number seven, as he scored seven off 14 deliveries. India meanwhile posted 225 runs on board and unfortunately lost the match by three wickets.

Meanwhile, speaking about his debut, Rana stated that it was the most important day of his life and expressed how strongly he feels about it. The cricketer also expects to better his game in the coming months in order to get back into India’s scheme of things.

“23.07.21 - Reflecting on one of the most important days of my life. The thrill of representing our country runs deep and I’m grateful it happened. It’ll happen again very soon. Believe,” Rana tweeted.

Rana got dropped post dismal Sri Lanka tour, showed good consistency in IPL

Soon after his ODI debut, Rana also got to make his T20I debut against Sri Lanka in their backyard. He batted at number five and managed to score only nine runs off 12 deliveries. In the very next match, the cricketer hit only six runs off 15 deliveries and since then, the team management didn’t consider him for selection.

However, Rana has been consistent in the Indian Premier League. In the recently concluded season, the Delhi-born cricketer looked brilliant as he hit 413 runs in 14 matches. Thus, Rana has been optimistic about making his return to the national setup. Recently, after India’s squad for the upcoming Asian Games was announced, Rana expressed his disappointment on social media but is in no mood to give up on his ambition.