IND vs SA: India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak credits Harshit Rana for India's win in the first ODI

Harshit Rana picked three wickets in India’s win during first IND vs SA ODI.

The Indian team took a valuable lead in the three-match ODI series with a win in Ranchi. The match was a roller coaster ride with both teams dominating in phases, but India came on top in the end. The Indian batting coach Sitanshu Kotak highlighted Harshit Rana’s performance with the ball as the major factor behind India’s victory.

In the first innings, Virat Kohli scored his 52nd century, and his 135 runs off 120 helped India post a massive total of 349/8. Rohit Sharma (57) and KL Rahul (60) also made important contributions with their half-centuries.

Sitanshu Kotak hails Harshit Rana

The conditions in Ranchi were not conducive for the bowlers, with the pitch being a belter to bat on. In the second innings, the batting side had an edge with the dew coming in, but India managed to restrict South Africa to 332.

“I think 350 on the same surface, if they were batting, then 350 would definitely be enough. But after so much dew, the bowler can’t even hold the ball properly. The ball is skidding off the wicket and coming straight onto the bat. I think a lot of credit goes to Harshit as well for taking those early wickets, because otherwise it would have been quite easy for them to score runs in such heavy dew,” said Sitanshu Kotak, crediting the youngster for his brilliance with the ball.

Also Read: IND vs SA: Who said what after the first ODI in Ranchi

“Rana was hitting the right areas” – Sitanshu Kotak

The main difference between the two sides was the opening spell with the ball. India dominated the Proteas in the opening spell, and Harshit Rana was the main protagonist of that onslaught. He dismissed the opener Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock in his first over to reduce South Africa to 7/2.

India’s batting coach appreciated the 23-year-old for making the most of his opening spell.

“So, after losing the toss and still winning this game, I think it’s very creditable. I think he was moving the ball well, he was hitting the right areas in the early innings because a Kookaburra ball probably swings for two, four, maybe five overs. So, I think he made the most of it,” Kotak concluded.

The next IND vs SA ODI begins on December 3 in Raipur.

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