Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Dec 7: India head coach Gautam Gambhir has hinted at a long-term plan to groom young pacer Harshit Rana as a bowling all-rounder, as the team begins shaping up its squad for the 2027 ICC World Cup.

Speaking after India’s 2-1 ODI series win over South Africa, Gambhir said the tall right-arm quick has been identified as a player who can bolster the lower order. “We are trying to develop someone like Harshit, who can bat at No. 8 and contribute with the bat,” Gambhir was quoted as saying by Cricinfo. “That’s how we need to find balance, because come South Africa in two years’ time, we would be needing three proper seamers as well.”

Rana, who picked up four wickets in three matches in the recently concluded series, still has work to do with the bat, but the team management sees his potential as a key asset in building squad depth. Gambhir pointed to how international sides are benefiting from lower-order contributions from the likes of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Marco Jansen and Corbin Bosch.

“If he can continue to develop as a bowling all-rounder, it’s going to give us a massive boost,” Gambhir added. He also praised the performances of Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna, who, like Rana, are still in the early stages of their ODI careers. “All three have hardly played 15 ODIs, but they’ve done a fabulous job,” he said.

With Jasprit Bumrah expected to return soon, India hopes to build a formidable pace attack while strengthening batting depth. While acknowledging the long road ahead, Gambhir expressed optimism. “If we can develop someone like Harshit at No. 8, I think it is going to give us the right balance… Let’s see. It’s still a long way.”