Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) young pacer Harshit Rana opened up about his experience working with former Indian bowling coach Bharat Arun for the past two years in the IPL. The uncapped Indian pacer expressed admiration for KKR’s bowling coach’s qualities.
Rana described Arun as an exceptional listener, hailing the bowling coach’s ability to thoughtfully hear out the players’ concerns and ideas. The 22-year-old further revealed that the KKR coach doesn’t talk much about the technical aspects, but he provides valuable mental support to players.
The Delhi lad said that the former Indian bowling coach only focuses on the development of a winning mentality in the KKR players, and it really worked for them.
I loved working with Bharat Arun sir: Harshit Rana
Rana also revealed that Arun always stresses the importance of translating skills into consistent performances, especially in high-pressure situations in crucial matches, and that it eventually helps them earn a national call-up.
The IPL 2024 winner admitted Arun’s significant contribution to his growth as a cricketer. Rana also gave credit to the KKR bowling coach, not only for refining his bowling skills but also for instilling the mindset required to excel in the IPL.
Harshit Rana was quoted as saying by the Indian Express: “I loved working with Bharat sir. He is an excellent listener. If I am trying to say something, he will always listen. Tactically, he doesn’t speak much, but he gives you that mental boost. He told me that I am playing in the IPL because I have the required skill set. But just having skills will not help me play for India. I must start delivering in the difficult overs for my team, and that would make me a better bowler than the rest.”
Rana also considers himself a proper all-rounder, saying he has smashed a century in the Duleep Trophy. He mentioned that he could not get the opportunity to bat in the IPL 2024 because of the impact player rule, but he was itching to smack a few sixes. Now, he wants to represent India on the international stage after making an impact in the IPL.
Bharat Arun backs Harshit Rana to play for India for a long time
Notably, Harshit was instrumental in KKR’s IPL 2024 triumph, delivering impressive performances when Mitchell Starc was struggling and finishing the season with 19 wickets in 13 matches. Recently, Arun backed Harshit to play for India for a long time while calling Mayank Yadav an excellent talent.
The KKR coach said that the recently concluded IPL has thrown up a lot of fast bowlers—at least 8–10 fast bowlers—who can play for India for a long time, saying they just need to be nurtured well.
Arun stressed that if these talented bowlers can be groomed, India can have a good crop of fast bowlers. He added, “If you look at Umran Malik, somebody who bowls fast, Mayank Yadav is also an exceptional talent.”
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