"Going to give us a massive boost" - Gautam Gambhir explains logic behind backing Harshit Rana after IND vs SA 2025 ODIs

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir explained that the think tank is keenly looking at Harshit Rana as a pace bowling all-rounder, who can contribute with the bat at No. 8. Admitting that the youngster is still a work in progress, the former India batter added that Harshit's inclusion can give the side better balance in the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, provided he can develop in the all-rounder's role.

Harshit claimed four wickets in three matches at an average of 44.75 and an economy rate of 6.39 in the recently concluded ODI series against South Africa. While the 23-year-old has come up with some impressive performances in his short career in international cricket, the constant backing being given to him by the present team management been questioned by some critics and fans as well.

Speaking at a press conference after India's 2-1 ODI series win over the Proteas, Gambhir once again stressed on the importance of having someone like Harshit in the playing XI. He commented (via ESPNcricinfo):

"That's [depth in batting] one of the reasons why we are trying to probably develop someone like Harshit, who can actually bat at 8 and contribute with a bat at No. 8. That's how we need to find the balance, because come South Africa in two years' time, we would be needing three proper seamers as well. And if he can continue to develop as a bowling all-rounder, it's going to give us a massive boost."

India rested senior pro Jasprit Bumrah for the ODIs against South Africa. In his absence, the young fast bowling trio of Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna and Harshit were tested by a strong Proteas batting line-up. Praising the three pace bowlers for their performance in the one-dayers, Gambhir said:

"What we saw of Arshdeep, Prasidh, and Harshit in this series, [it] was incredible. All these three guys do not have a lot of experience under their belts, especially in the 50-over format… They've hardly played less than 15 ODIs, all these three bowlers, but they've done a fabulous job.

"So I feel that if we can develop someone like Harshit at No. 8, who can contribute with the bat, I think it is going to give us the right balance as well… Let's see. I think it's still a long way," Gambhir added.

Prasidh starred with figures of 4-66 in the third ODI against South Africa on Saturday. As for Arshdeep, he ended the series with five wickets at an average of 30.80 and an impressive economy rate of 5.50.

---

"Batting orders are very overrated" - Gautam Gambhir on Washington Sundar being used as a floater in ODIs

India have used all-rounder Washington Sundar in different batting positions, both in white-ball formats and in Test cricket. Some critics have questioned the team management's handling of the talented cricketer, claiming that moving Sundar up and down the order seems to have left him confused.

Gambhir admitted that having a fixed batting order in Tests is important. He, however, downplayed the significance of the same in white-ball formats. The former India top-order batter opined:

"I've always believed in white-ball cricket, batting orders are very overrated. Except the opening combination, I think it is very, very overrated. Yes, [in] Test cricket obviously you've got to have a fixed batting order. But again, you're talking about someone who's got a hundred at Manchester, you've got someone who's got a fifty at Oval, who averages what, 40-plus in Test cricket.

"And sometimes, you've got to look at the balance as well. I know it's tough on someone like Washi, but then I think he's done an incredible job - whether he's batted at No. 3, he's batted at No. 5, he's batted at No. 7, 8. And that's the kind of character he is, and that's the kind of character we want in that dressing room," Gambhir went on add.

Sundar batted at No. 5 in the first ODI in Ranchi and at No. 6 in the second one-dayer in Raipur. He was dropped for the decider in Visakhapatnam after struggling with the willow in the first two games.