Harshit Rana Vs Nitish Kumar Reddy; IPL Debut Analysed

Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar could make their potential Test debuts [Source: @Gajananjoshi29/X.Com]Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar could make their potential Test debuts [Source: @Gajananjoshi29/X.Com]

Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy, two India youngsters could be next in line for their Test debut as India gear up for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Even before the first Test in Perth, Indian side have been marred by absentees as they eye a third straight series win, Down Under.

As a result of so many injuries, Indian team management have lined up Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana as the potential two debutants. Looking at the pitch conditions in Perth, India feel both Nitish Kumar and Harshit are ideal fit and the duo will be eager to exceed expectations as India look for a way to beat the Aussies.

However, before their Test debut, we look at how the two youngsters fared in their debut IPL match. The IPL tournament brought the two players in limelight and hence we look at their debut match performances.

Harshit Rana's debut came in a heavy loss

Playing for KKR, Harshit Rana made his IPL debut during the 2022 season against the elhi Capitals.

Kolkata Knight Riders batted first and posted a decent 146/9, with Nitish Rana scoring a gritty 57 off 34 balls. When the chance came for the Knight Riders bowling, all eyes were on Harshit Rana as he stepped onto the field. The wicket at the Wankhede Stadium got a tad better in the second innings and Rana found it difficult to get a solid grip on the ball.

He struggled initially, but the pace bowler came back strong and picked up the wicket of the dangerous Mitchell Marsh for 13 runs. KKR lost the match and Rana ended the game with figures of 1 for 24 in 3 overs.

Nitish Kumar's dismal IPL debut in 2023

Nitish Kumar Reddy shown brightly at the start of the 2024 season, however, many people forget that he made his IPL debut in 2023 for the Sunrisers Hyderabad. Batting first, Sunrisers Hyderabad posted 186/5, and unfortunately for Nitish, he didn't get a chance to bat.

However, the all-rounder had the opportunity to showcase his bowling skills, but the duo of Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis took him to the cleaners.

On a flat track of Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Nitish Kumar went for 19 runs in two overs and lacked the cutting edge against the best in the business. However, he rejuvenated his IPL career under the leadership of Pat Cummins in 2024.