Munaf Patel reveals why Gambhir backs Harshit Rana [Source: AFP]Gautam Gambhir’s India coaching tenure has brought him a mixed bag of fortunes. While the former India player has helped the nation win two ICC trophies (Champions Trophy, T20 World Cup), he has also received flak for certain decisions, and one of them was backing Harshit Rana across formats.He was KKR’s trump card in their 2024 IPL winning campaign, and after the IPL, in the space of the next 9 months, Rana made his India debut across all three formats (Tests, ODIs, and T20Is). The decision was met with criticism, especially since Rana was raw, and his skills still needed to be polished.Ever since Gambhir’s appointment as the Indian head coach, many have gone after his head, but the former World Cup winner has also found his admirers, and one of them is Munaf Patel, the former India pacer and Gambhir’s ex-teammate.Exclusive: Munaf Patel defends Gambhir for backing Harshit RanaIn an exclusive chat with CREX, Munaf Patel defended Gautam Gambhir’s decision to back Harshit Rana by stating that the right-arm pacer can also chip in with the bat, a role that none of the other Indian bowlers can do.Patel was asked about Gambhir’s decision-making, and Rana’s name was put forward as an example. The former World Cup winner was quick to defend his ex-teammate.The Delhi Capitals bowling coach analysed that India needs a solid hitter at number 8, someone who can score 30 runs and can stay at the crease with the other batters. He mentioned that none of Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, or Mohammed Siraj have that ability, and hence, Rana has been utilised in the India playing XI, not only for his bowling, but for his batting ability as well.Also Read: Harshit Rana's Replacement In India ODI Squad Vs England AnnouncedHow true is Munaf Patel's statement on Harshit Rana's batting abilityThe former Indian cricketer answered the Harshit Rana question with a lot of logic, and his statement was justifiable if we keep a tab on Harshit Rana’s ability as a lower-order pinch-hitter.His batting ability was truly unleashed in the India vs New Zealand 3rd ODI (early 2026), when Team India needed a tricky 338 runs to seal the series. Barring Virat Kohli (124), none of the main batters stood tall as India, at one stage, had lost 6 wickets for 178 runs.This is when Harshit Rana joined the party alongside Kohli, and the batter smashed a quickfire 52 off 43, which kept India alive in the chase, and at the same time, his stay allowed Kohli to reach his three-figure mark.In T20Is, he strikes at 110, and in ODI cricket, his strike rate is 121.56, showcasing his ability to play shots down the order.Harshit Rana's international career at a glanceHarshit Rana has played for India across all three formats, but just like Gambhir, his fortunes, too, have brought him mixed success. The right-arm pacer has only played in two Tests and has scalped just 4 wickets.However, in white-ball cricket, Harshit has been a different gravy altogether. In 14 ODI games, the pacer has bagged 26 wickets and has also scored 124 runs. In T20Is, the fast-bowler has picked up 16 wickets in 14 matches, with an economy of 9.71.However, in recent months, his injury record has gotten worse as the player has been on the sideline for the majority of 2026.Also Read: 2 Of Gautam Gambhir's Trusted Men Bent On Leaving India, Joining IPL Teams
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