Harshit Rana finally let the ball do the talking.
The young pacer, under fire for his all-format selection, roared back with a stunning four-wicket haul in the third ODI against Australia at the SCG, turning critics into cheerleaders overnight.
India’s attack started strong with Mohammed Siraj removing Travis Head early, while Washington Sundar chipped in with key strikes to send Matthew Short and Matt Renshaw packing.
But when the middle order needed cracking, it was Rana time.
Last match’s heroes, Cooper Connolly and Mitchell Owen, were no match for his pace as they were dismissed for 23 and 1, respectively. He then cleaned up the tail, sending Josh Hazlewood back to the pavilion to seal his maiden ODI four-for.
For a bowler who’s faced his share
of online mockery, this was pure redemption.
Rana’s fiery spell not only powered India through the innings but also earned him the respect of fans who once doubted his place.
Within minutes, social media was flooded with memes, praise, and a single message: Harshit Rana has arrived.
Ha Bhai Harshit he to mumkin he 😂😂
— Cricket Enthusiast (@enthusiast69641) October 25, 2025
Harshit Rana haters right now #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/mD3lAA86aJ
— Raja Babu (@GaurangBhardwa1) October 25, 2025
Harshit Rana to trollers #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/O28qqbM9vK
— Raja Babu (@GaurangBhardwa1) October 25, 2025
Harshit rana haters today #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/3B311KhCup
— roushan kumar (@bewkuf_engineer) October 25, 2025
Gautam Gambhir and Harshit Rana supporters today.#INDvsAUS
pic.twitter.com/WDp0Wks4I8— AT10 (@Loyalsachfan10) October 25, 2025
Rana’s spell not only ripped through the Aussie middle order but also made him the highest wicket-taker of the series — six wickets in three games.
Thanks to his brilliance, India bowled out Australia for 236 — their lowest ODI total ever at the SCG.
Though the Aussies have already clinched the series 2–0, this dead rubber gives India a chance to salvage pride and carry some momentum forward.
