Any debate over India’s best XI for the 2027 World Cup invariably begins with Jasprit Bumrah, the undisputed spearhead of the attack; his inclusion there is a guarantee of 10 overs of accuracy, pace, and match-winning quality. Behind him comes Mohammed Siraj, a bowler who, despite inconsistency in the shorter formats, has shown flashes of brilliance.
With Hardik Pandya returning from injury and expected to provide essential balance on overseas pitches, there is still one slot available for a specialist fast bowler in the Indian line-up. That vacancy sets up a compelling three-way contest between Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, and Prasidh Krishna.
Harshit Rana Creates a Buzz in Ranchi
The Ranchi ODI was a moderate-pressure affair, and Harshit Rana grabbed it with both hands. On a flat pitch that hardly assisted, he managed to get just enough life from the new Kookaburra ball to leave South Africa reeling at 11 for 3 chasing 350.
His dismissals of Ryan Rickelton bowled while defending and Quinton de Kock, caught behind while driving, shifted the momentum firmly in India’s favour.
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak credited Harshit Rana for his early strike rate, saying without those breakthroughs, South Africa would have thrived in the heavy dew conditions.
Maximising the New Ball Window
Harshit Rana showed great understanding of how the new white ball swings in a really narrow window, usually just four or five overs. This is when Kotak mentioned he “hit the right areas early,” and India was able to capitalise on that narrow swinging spell.
Though Rana conceded 65 runs in his 10 overs, his style explains why: he bowls to disrupt rhythm, not merely contain. His approach includes switching between:
hitting the stumps
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testing the helmet
taking pace off
wide-angle variations
yorkers
slower wide deliveries
and wide yorkers.
It’s controlled chaos: fast bowling on shuffle. India are comfortable absorbing his higher economy rate because Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav reliably maintain pressure from the other end. Importantly, Rana’s temperament stands out. Whether being hit for a no-look six by Dewald Brevis or being slogged by Corbin Bosch, he hit back with yorkers and breakthroughs.
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