Follow UsHarshit Rana became a household name after he bowled a terrific last over during the initial phase of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. He stopped a batter as highly rated as South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen, batting on 62 off 27, from scoring seven off five balls as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) won by four runs.
This happened in match 3, where KKR were hosting Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Rana, who was playing only his ninth ever IPL match, was not even supposed to bowl the last over in which SRH needed 13 runs.
But something very different happened that changed Rana’s life forever. Narrating the incident on Ranveer Allahabadia, aka Beerbiceps, the 23-year-old credited his then captain, Shreyas Iyer, for life-changing advice.
“When I was with him in the last IPL, right from the start, he gave me confidence, telling me, 'You are my main guy, and you have to do everything.' I wasn't going to bowl the last over. He gave me the ball and said, 'Here, this is your time. Either become a hero or even if we lose, it's fine. Just back yourself and execute
Rana, who also debuted for India and has played under the likes of Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav as well, asked about the main differentiator between him and other captains.
“He gives players a free hand to go and express themselves as per their own understanding of their craft. If they are lagging anywhere while doing that, then he will be there to guide them along,” Rana said.
Rana, after making his debut on the highest stage, has not been able to become a regular on the Test side.