IND vs SA 2025: 'If I listen to outside noise, I won't be able to play cricket' - Harshit Rana on dealing with online criticism

Harshit Rana has been garnering severe criticism from fans as well as experts after his inconsistent performances with the ball across formats. However, the right-arm seamer has braved the adversities and is slowly starting to show glimpses of the talent that he possesses.

Harshit has played two Tests, nine ODIs, and five T20Is so far. While he has picked up four, 19, and five wickets, respectively, he has gone for plenty of runs. He has economy rates of 4.51, 5.93, and 10.69 in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, respectively.

Not just fans but some experts have also criticised Harshit for his performances. India's head coach Gautam Gambhir has also been accused of showing favouritism toward the bowler who played a significant role when Kolkata Knight Riders won the IPL title in 2024 under his mentorship.

Former India captain Kris Srikkanth said that Harshit makes it to the Indian team because he is a ‘yes man’ to Gambhir. The latter came out to defend the Delhi speedster after this allegation.

Now, the 23-year-old has broken his silence on the online trolls and criticism he has been facing in recent times. Harshit said that he doesn't focus on the outside noise as he knows that it will put him under pressure.

“Look, sir, if I listen to all these things and get into the ground by putting pressure on my mind, then I don’t think I will be able to play cricket. So, I try to avoid as much as possible," Rana said while speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of the second ODI against South Africa, which is set to be played at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur on Wednesday, December 3.

“I just pay attention to what I have to do on the ground. I don’t care about what is happening outside or what someone is saying about me. What I have to do on the ground, I just focus on my hard work and what I am going to do on the ground," he added.

Rana was one of the star performers for India in the first ODI in Ranchi on Sunday, November 30. He picked up two wickets in his first over. The Delhi speedster eventually finished with figures of 3/65 in 10 overs, as India won by 17 runs.