“I don’t care” - Harshit Rana responds to social media trolls and favouritism talks

Indian pacer Harshit Rana, who made his international debut against Australia in November 2024, has finally spoken out about the social media trolls on his selection in the playing XI and the Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir's favouring his spot in the team.

Speaking in the pre-match press conference ahead of the second ODI in Raipur, Rana has made it clear that he doesn’t listen to what’s being talked about him outside the field, adding that he only focuses on his hard work and what he has to do on the field.

“If I start listening to all these things, put them in my mind and take the field, I won’t be able to play cricket. I try to avoid as much as possible. I just pay attention to what I have to do on the ground. I don’t care about what is happening outside or what someone is saying about me. I just focus on my hard work and what I am going to do on the ground,” Rana said ahead of the 2nd ODI against South Africa.

Furthermore, Rana has also talked about having experienced players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the dressing room, stating that it’s a good opportunity for youngsters like him to better their game by taking their valuable advice.

“It’s a big deal for me and obviously for the whole team. If such experienced players stay with you in the field and in the dressing room, then the environment of the team is very good," he added.

“Even if you are off the field, or in the dressing room, it’s a happy environment for the whole team. Everyone looks to better themselves because in their mind, it’s always with the youngsters where they always tell us what we could do better," he noted.

Rana played an important role in the first ODI of the three-match series against South Africa, pocketing three big wickets of Ryan Rickelton, Quinton de Kock and Dewald Brevis.

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