Harshit Rana says he is not bothered by outside noise ahead of 2nd ODI against South Africa

India’s fast bowler Harshit Rana said he is not bothered by the outside noise ahead of the second ODI against South Africa. Rana’s place in the team has been questioned by a lot of experts but the fast bowler is letting his performances do all the talking.

The fast bowler from Delhi returned with impressive figures of 4-39 in 8.4 overs he bowled in the third ODI against Australia at Sydney. The lanky pacer continued his good form, returning with figures of 3-65 in the opening ODI against South Africa at the JSCA International Sports Complex, Ranchi on Sunday.

The 23-year-old pacer was able to account for Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock in the Powerplay overs. Rana also dismissed Dewald Brevis in the middle overs.

“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.

“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.

On the other hand, Rana also hailed Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s presence in the dressing room and squashed reports of any tension in the team’s environment.

“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 second ODI between India and South Africa will be played at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur on Wednesday.