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Harshit Rana at 6! India's team sheet hints at 'never seen before' batting order twist in 2nd T20I vs AUS

Debashis Sarangi

Harshit Rana is slotted at 6 in IND lineup [Source: AFP]Harshit Rana is slotted at 6 in IND lineup [Source: AFP]

In a significant development, Australia won the toss and elected to bowl first in the second T20I of the five-match series against India at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). While Arshdeep Singh found himself out of the playing XI yet again, India persisted with Harshit Rana for the second consecutive time, with Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy also retaining their spots as frontline spinners. However, what grabbed everyone's attention was India allotting Harshit Rana a higher place than his usual number eight position. 

Harshit Rana placed above Dube and Axar in Indian team sheet

Harshit Rana's rise in international cricket has been inspirational, to say the least. Despite getting heavily trolled for past failures, Harshit emerged as India's go-to man with the ball in the ODI series, even scalping a four-wicket haul in the final game. Considering his batting abilities, India are trying to groom him as an allrounder amid Nitish Reddy's injury concerns. 

The Indian team sheet hinted at Harshit Rana's potential promotion over Axar Patel and Shivam Dube, two much superior batters than him in the format. While Axar is an exceptional player of spin, Shivam Dube's ability to maul medium pace makes him a valuable asset in the death overs. So, Harshit Rana getting a place at number six in the Indian team sheet surprised fans as well as experts. 

Will Harshit Rana bat above Shivam Dube and Axar Patel?

The entry points of batters hold a significant importance in T20 cricket. Although Harshit Rana is placed at six, we reckon India won't likely promote him over Dube and Axar Patel in the second T20I. 

His batting position will be determined by the game situation. If India need someone for pinch-hitting, we might see Harshit's promotion. However, if India send him up the order to capitalise on a good start, it will be nothing short of a gamble that can backfire on the visitors.