India’s rising pace sensation Harshit Rana had a dream debut in the first Test against Australia at Perth, delivering a stellar performance that brought pride to both his country and his father.
The 22-year-old pacer showcased his skills with impressive first-innings figures of 3/48, playing a pivotal role in dismissing Australia for just 104 runs on Day 2.
Reflecting on the emotional moment, Rana dedicated his debut to his father, fulfilling a shared dream. “CAP 316. A dream that my father and I saw 13 years ago has come true today. This one’s for you, Dad,” he wrote on Instagram.
Speaking about the night before his debut, Rana revealed the significance of the occasion. As a child, he would wake up early to watch India’s matches against Australia with his father, making his debut in such a high-profile match especially meaningful.
“I knew I wouldn’t get much sleep that night [before the game]. I followed my regular routine but had [nervous flutters] before the match. During the cap presentation speech, I couldn’t hold back my tears. This is a huge deal for me—I’ve only ever seen India vs. Australia on TV with my dad,” he shared.
Rana’s performance justified the selectors’ confidence in his red-ball abilities.
Despite being known for his white-ball exploits with Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, Rana proved his mettle in the longest format. His maiden Test wicket was a prized one—Travis Head—achieved through smart planning and precise execution.
A delivery angled in just enough to brush Head’s off-stump showcased Rana’s adaptability and skill.
“Personally, I’m thrilled with my performance, but I’m even happier with how the team has performed,” Rana said.
“Regarding Head’s wicket, we discussed in the team how to set him up. The plan was to attack his stumps, and it worked. Playing here offers extra bounce, but it’s important not to get carried away. The focus was on maintaining good lines and lengths, and it paid off.”
India ended Day 2 in a commanding position at 172/0, with a lead of 218 runs. KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal remained unbeaten on 62 and 90, respectively, as the visitors strengthened their grip on the match and looked to extend their advantage further.