KL Rahul Mentors Harshit Rana in Thrilling ODI Victory Against New Zealand

In a gripping first ODI against New Zealand, KL Rahul took on a mentoring role for Harshit Rana, guiding him through a tense chase. Rahul's leadership was pivotal as they formed a crucial partnership, leading India to a four-wicket victory. Rana showcased his all-round skills, contributing with both bat and ball. This article delves into Rahul's insights on Rana's potential and their strategic approach during the match, making it a must-read for cricket enthusiasts.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 12, 2026, 16:05 IST

KL Rahul Discusses Mentoring Harshit Rana

During the intense chase against New Zealand in Vadodara's first ODI, Indian cricketer KL Rahul shared insights about his role in mentoring Harshit Rana. He described the experience as enjoyable, especially as they formed a crucial partnership of 37 runs in the final overs. Rahul emphasized the importance of calming Rana, who was eager to hit sixes, reminding him to focus on the game. 'Batting alongside Harshit in those final moments was enjoyable. I had to keep him grounded as he often asked me to remind him not to swing for sixes every ball, given his mindset. He is still new to ODIs and lacks extensive experience,' Rahul stated on JioHotstar.

Praise for Harshit Rana's Potential

Rahul highlighted Rana's rising profile within the team, noting that everyone in the dressing room recognizes his talent. 'We have all witnessed his capabilities. He performed admirably in Australia and has delivered crucial innings for the team. The team sees his potential and is eager for him to evolve into a remarkable cricketer, the type every squad desires,' he remarked.

Rana: A Valuable Asset

Discussing Rana's all-round skills, Rahul pointed out that these attributes make him a significant asset in limited-overs cricket. 'He is tall, bowls at 145 kph with effective variations, and can also contribute with the bat. His attitude is commendable. While he can be a bit overconfident at times, I prefer that over a lack of confidence,' Rahul explained.

On-Field Strategy During the Chase

Rahul revealed their strategy during the chase, focusing on minimizing risks once Rana settled into his rhythm. 'After he hit a few boundaries, I reminded him that we weren't chasing a massive target. Our goal was to secure one boundary per over, take a calculated risk, and then get me back on strike,' he shared.

Rana's All-Round Performance

In the first ODI against New Zealand, Rana displayed his all-round capabilities. He took two wickets, dismissing openers Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls. With the bat, he contributed significantly under pressure, scoring 29 runs off 23 balls, including two fours and a six. His timely performance alleviated pressure on Rahul and was crucial in navigating India through a challenging phase of the chase.

India Secures a Thrilling Victory

India triumphed over New Zealand by four wickets in the first ODI held in Vadodara. After losing momentum with Virat Kohli's dismissal for 93 runs, KL Rahul's composed innings of 29 not out off 21 balls clinched the victory for India in the penultimate over. The team successfully chased down a target of 301, with Rahul and Washington Sundar forming a solid partnership to secure the win.