Team India auditions Harshit Rana's batting potential by sending him above Shivam Dube in Melbourne

Team India auditions Harshit Rana's batting potential by sending him above Shivam Dube in Melbourne

The inclusion of Harshit Rana in the Indian line-up has become a major topic of discussion among fans and experts. However, scenes in the second T20I against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Friday got bizarre. Rana was promoted up the order and sent ahead of all-rounder Shivam Dube as India were tottering at 49/5 in 7.3 overs after being invited to bat first.

Only Abhishek Sharma managed to resist the attack spearheaded by Josh Hazlewood, who ran through India's batting order with his four-over spell in the powerplay. Things only got worse for the visitors as Axar Patel was run-out for 7(12) as India lost half their side even before adding 50 runs on the board.

Then came the big surprise as Rana walked in to bat with Dube still available, certainly raising some eyebrows. However, the burly Delhi bowling all-rounder up to a certain extent did justify the call by head coach Gautam Gambhir.

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Though Rana played a sedated 35 off 33 deliveries, he was the only player who hung around with Abhishek and stitched a 56 off 47 balls partnership for the sixth wicket. During his stay, Rana hit a maximum and three boundaries. The partnership ensured India had something to bowl at as the Men In Blue managed to muster 125/10 in 18.4 overs.

Abhishek, on the other hand, scored a blazing 68 off 37 balls before getting trapped LBW against Nathan Ellis.

This is brilliant 35 from Harshit Rana. Runs from lower order batsman from when team needed the most!

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 31, 2025

Rana's effort also saw him gain praise from former India bowling all-rounder Irfan Pathan. "This is brilliant 35 from Harshit Rana. Runs from lower order batsman from when team needed the most," he wrote on X.

Meanwhile, this was not the only experiment fans witnessed during India's innings. Sanju Samson, who has seen heavy shifting both up and down the order in recent matches, was sent in at No. 3 - a position normally occupied by India captain Suryakumar Yadav. The wicketkeeper-batter, however, failed to capitalise on the opportunity and was caught plumb in front of the wicket on 2(4).