The spotlight in Indian cricket can be unforgiving, especially for young players still finding their feet. The IPL 2025 was no different and for Harshit Rana, the season brought not just challenges on the field but also pressure off it. While the young pacer delivered some important spells for his team, a few below-par performances were enough to trigger intense criticism on social media.
The situation escalated when questions were raised about Harshit Rana’s international selection. Some former players and fans suggested that his chances came more from personal equations rather than performance. These claims also dragged head coach Gautam Gambhir into the debate, with accusations of favoritism and franchise bias surfacing online. Gautam Gambhir, however, publicly stepped in to protect the youngster, urging people to be responsible with their words and reminding everyone how damaging harsh comments can be for emerging players.
Amid all this noise, Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane offered a more human perspective. He revealed that Harshit Rana was deeply affected during the IPL season when things were not going his way. According to Rahane, the young bowler appeared anxious and emotionally low at times, clearly feeling the weight of public opinion.
Ajinkya Rahane shared that he had conversations with Harshit Rana during that phase, trying to understand what he was going through. Harshit Rana admitted that the constant chatter about his performances bothered him but he also saw it as fuel. The criticism, instead of breaking his confidence, pushed him to work harder and prove himself. Harshit Rana felt that many of the people judging him had no idea about the effort and grind behind his bowling journey.
This episode highlights the unseen struggles young cricketers face in the age of instant opinions and viral criticism. While performances are judged in a matter of overs, the emotional toll often goes unnoticed. Harshit Rana’s story, as shared by Ajinkya Rahane, is a reminder that behind every player is a person learning, growing and fighting to belong at the highest level.
