Harshit Rana, a towering pacer from Delhi, gained attention with raw pace, aggression, and big-match temperament. From earning his place in KKR’s IPL title-winning team to becoming the first Indian to take three‑wicket hauls on debut across all three formats, his rise reflects zeal, mentorship under Gautam Gambhir, and fearless cricketing drive. This biography covers his journey from local leagues to IPL hero and India’s fresh pace option.
🧒 Early Life & Foundation
Born on 22 December 2001 in Ghevra, North West Delhi, Harshit started training under his father Pradeep Rana, a former hammer thrower and weightlifter for CRPF. He honed his cricket skills at Rohtak Road Gymkhana and Royal Sports Academy
🏏 Domestic & IPL Breakthrough
Rana was picked by Kolkata Knight Riders in 2022 as a replacement and debuted with 1/24 against Delhi Capitals. He quickly became a key member, earning retention through 2024 and 2025 due to standout performances, including 19 wickets in IPL 2024 at an average of 20.16, helping KKR lift the trophy.
As of 2025, he has appeared in 34 IPL matches, claimed 40 wickets at an average of 25.72 and an economy of 9.51, and holds best figures of 3/24.
🌍 International Debut & Breakthrough
Test Debut
Rana made his Test debut in November 2024 in Perth during the Border–Gavaskar Trophy, claiming four wickets including 3/48 in the match.
ODI & T20I Debuts
- ODI Debut: Feb 6, 2025 vs England in Nagpur. Rana took 3 wickets on debut but also conceded 26 runs in a single over—an unwanted Indian record for a debutant.
- T20I Debut: Jan 31, 2025 vs England as a concussion substitute—Rana claimed three crucial wickets, stirring controversy as England protested the non-like-for-like replacement ruling.
Rana became the first Indian to take three-wicket hauls on debut in Test, ODI, and T20I cricket—a rare milestone highlighted across media.
🎯 Career Highlights & Statistics (as of mid‑2025)
Harshit Rana has quickly emerged as a match-winner under pressure:
- Test: 2 matches, 4 wickets at avg 50.75, SR 67.5
- ODI: 5 matches, 10 wickets, avg 20.70, SR 21.8 (best 3/31)
- T20I: 1 match, 3 wickets at 11.00 avg in just 24 deliveries, SR 8.0
In the IPL, he has 40 wickets from 33 innings, average 23.24, strike rate 16.23, economy ~9.05
Rana also stands out for his height and ability to generate bounce and swing—traits that led many fans to compare him to Jasprit Bumrah as India’s next death bowler in the making.
🌟 Recognition & Selection Buzz
He was selected as Jasprit Bumrah’s replacement in India’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad, sparking both praise and debate—especially due to team affiliate politics and selectorial controversies over inclusion ahead of more seasoned performers like Anshul Kamboj.
💵 Net Worth & Future Prospects
Though specific net worth estimates are unavailable, Rana’s IPL contracts (₹4 crore in 2025), BCCI match fees, and rising profile suggest a net worth in the ₹8–12 crore (~USD $1–1.5M) range.
🔍 Interesting Facts
- Rana’s trademark “flying kiss” celebration after dismissing Mayank Agarwal in IPL sparked viral attention—and criticism from cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar, emphasizing respect in sport.
- He scored a blistering 122 off 86 balls* during the Duleep Trophy 2023 for North Zone—a maiden first-class century showcasing his lower-order batting potential.
❓FAQs About Harshit Rana
A: He was born on 22 December 2001 in Ghevra, North West Delhi.
A: He has played for Kolkata Knight Riders since his debut in 2022. As of 2025, he remains a consistent member.
A: He is the first Indian cricketer to achieve three-wicket hauls on debut in Test, ODI, and T20I formats.
A: He entered as a concussion substitute for Shivam Dube, which led to criticism from England captain Jos Buttler, who called it a non-like-for-like replacement.
A: Despite modest Test experience, he remained with senior team over performing India A pacer Anshul Kamboj—a move that raised concerns about IPL franchise affiliations influencing selection.
✅ Final Thoughts
Harshit Rana’s rise reflects India’s fast-bowling evolution—raw talent, match temperament, and aggressive intent. At only 23, he has already etched his mark in IPL and international cricket. As he continues to develop, Rana could become a pivotal figure in India’s pace unit across formats.
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