Harshit Rana’s path to the Indian Test team for the upcoming tour of Australia was not marked by pure talent alone. In a recent interview with The Indian Express, he revealed that it took an intense transformation (losing a staggering 17 kilograms) to finally find himself on the selectors’ radar.

The young fast bowler, known for his raw pace, had been derailed by injuries until this crucial decision to prioritize fitness.

“Missing an entire Ranji Trophy season due to a hamstring injury was my wake-up call. I realized that I needed to give my all for my fitness if I wanted to get a chance to play for India,” Harshit told The Indian Express.

The 22-year-old’s determination paid off when he lost weight between November 2023 and March 2024, just before the IPL season. He credits his father, Pradeep Rana, a former CRPF athlete, for supporting him during his worst days.

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“During my teenage years, I broke down too often and it was my father who kept me going. He told me that it was okay if I didn’t become a cricketer, but he wanted me to give my best,” Harshit said, adding, “This call-up to the Indian team is for him.”

Pradeep remembers the relentless series of injuries his son suffered: back, groin, calf and even shoulder problems that left them with more questions than answers.

“Every part of his body was injured at some point,” Pradeep said. “I took him to many hospitals, consulted specialists and even tried Ayurvedic treatments in Najafgarh. But nothing seemed to have a permanent solution. After a while, we left it in the hands of fate.”

The tide began to turn for Harshit after the inspiring Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in 2020-21, which saw Indian players put their bodies on the line to achieve an improbable victory in Australia.

Watching Pujara endure the blows and Ashwin battle back pain, Harshit felt a new motivation.

“At the time I was battling stress fractures and watching them fight their injuries motivated me. “That series gave me more determination to play for the country,” he said.

Once he made a decision, Harshit fully committed to his fitness. Losing 17 kilograms transformed him not only physically but also mentally, helping him approach the game with renewed focus.

“I have been injury-free for seven months now and it is a great relief. “I feel like losing weight gave me a new start,” she admitted.

In the 2024 IPL season, their disciplined approach paid off, and Kolkata Knight Riders’ winning performances caught the attention of the selectors. Now, with a coveted spot in India’s squad for the Test series against Australia, Harshit is ready to live the dream he once saw in the early mornings of winter as a child: waking up to watch India play in Australia.

“My father’s dream is to see me bowl in England, but I always wanted to play against Australia. “They play the same type of cricket as me – aggressive and intense,” he said.

For Harshit, this tour is more than just a debut opportunity. It is a reward for his hard work, perseverance, determination and passion to play for the country, his father’s unwavering support and the power of relentless self-improvement.