It’s a happy environment when Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma are part of the dressing room: Harshit Rana

Young Indian pacer Harshit Rana has opened up on having experienced players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the dressing room, stating that the team environment would be perfect when the veterans are part of the set-up.

Speaking in the pre-match press conference ahead of the second ODI in Raipur, Rana has asserted that it’s a good opportunity for youngsters like him to better their game by implementing the advice offered by the veteran duo.

“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," Rana said ahead of the 2nd ODI against South Africa.

“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 added.

Furthermore, Rana, who made his international debut against Australia in November 2024, also talked about the social media trolls on his selection in the playing XI and the rumours about the favouritism from the Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir.

“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 concluded.

Rana played a pivotal role in the first ODI against South Africa, scalping the big wickets of Ryan Rickelton, Quinton de Kock and Dewald Brevis to turn the game upside down.

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