"I don't care about what is happening outside" - Harshit Rana's stunning claim ahead of IND vs SA 2025 2nd ODI

Team India pacer Harshit Rana asserted that he is unbothered by all of the outside noise and trolls centering him in the early stages of his international career, ahead of the second ODI against South Africa in Raipur. The right-arm bowler made a massive statement in the series opener at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi, claiming figures of 3-65 off his 10 overs in the tense 17-run win for the hosts.

Harshit Rana's elevation to an all-format squad member, followed by a gradual increase in playing time in Gautam Gambhir's regime, has not gone down well with the majority. The team management views the youngster as a viable option at No.8 in both red-ball and white-ball cricket due to his ability as a bowler and potential as a handy batter down the order.

Since his debut in 2024, Rana had a struggling start with only flashes of brilliance amid an inconsistent run. However, he finally has momentum by his side after a promising tour of Australia, where he was the leading wicket-taker in the ODI series, followed by a stellar start to the home season.

Harshit Rana stated that he does not pay much attention to outside noise, as he does not want it to affect his performance on the field.

“Look, sir, if I listen to all these things and get into the ground by putting pressure on my mind, then I don't think I will be able to play cricket. So, 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,” Harshit Rana said during the pre-match press conference in Raipur (via RevSportz).

“What I have to do on the ground, I just focus on my hard work and what I am going to do on the ground. I will not change my plan because I have done well in the first match. So, I will focus on that plan. I will try to do the things that I did well in the first match again," he added.

The pacer repaid the faith that has been bestowed upon him with his crucial new ball display in the first ODI, where he dismissed Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton in a single over. With his graph moving upwards gradually, the player and the team management will hope that the criticism and trolling are toned down accordingly.

Earlier, ahead of the Australia tour, even head coach Gautam Gambhir had to come in Harshit Rana's defence after several pundits questioned his inclusion and performances in Team India's playing XI across formats.

"It's a happy dressing room" - Harshit Rana assures all in well in terms of team atmosphere ahead of IND vs SA 2025 2nd ODI

Team India kick-starting their home white-ball season with a win, following Virat Kohli's 52nd ODI hundred, should have been an occasion of complete joy. However, visuals after the win do not paint a merry dressing room, with incoming reports only making the visuals and the underlying relations even worse than they seem.

However, Harshit Rana affirmed that the team atmosphere remains as strong as ever, with the youngsters profiting from the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the side.

"It's a happy dressing room. The presence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli creates a wonderful environment. They always back the youngsters," Rana hailed the veteran duo.

"Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli always help me and other youngsters with strategies and motivation. It’s always a great dressing room environment when such experienced players are there to guide you," he concluded.

The Men in Blue have the opportunity to claim an unassailable lead with a win in the second match of the series, scheduled for Wednesday, December 3. They have won each of the last four ODIs against South Africa on home soil.