Amid a disappointing batting collapse, one moment lit up the MCG like a firework: Harshit Rana’s 104-meter six. The debutant’s colossal hit off Marcus Stoinis didn’t just rattle the Australian fielders—it left India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, utterly stunned.
Table of Contents
- The Monster Hit That Stopped the Game
- Gambhir’s Jaw-Dropping Reaction Caught on Camera
- Match Context: A Lone Bright Spot in a Dim Performance
- Why This Shot Matters for Indian Cricket
The Monster Hit That Stopped the Game
Promoted to No. 7 in a high-pressure chase against Australia, Harshit Rana walked in with India already reeling. But in the 14th over, facing Marcus Stoinis, the young all-rounder unleashed a shot that defied physics—and expectations. The ball soared over deep mid-wicket, clearing the ropes by a country mile, clocking a massive 104 meters .
For context, that’s longer than most sixes hit even by seasoned power-hitters in T20 leagues. In an ODI? On debut? Against Australia? It was nothing short of audacious.
Gambhir’s Jaw-Dropping Reaction Caught on Camera
But perhaps even more viral than the six itself was the split-second reaction from head coach Gautam Gambhir. Cameras caught him in the dressing room—eyes wide, mouth agape, then breaking into an uncontrollable grin .
“Gautam Gambhir beaming with pride as Harshit Rana launches Marcus Stoinis for a huge 104m six at MCG,” read multiple fan posts across social media . The moment quickly became a symbol of hope: a new-gen player stepping up under the mentorship of a former great.
Match Context: A Lone Bright Spot in a Dim Performance
Despite Rana’s heroics (35 off 33 balls with 3 fours and that one historic six ), India’s innings never truly recovered from Josh Hazlewood’s early burst. Only Abhishek Sharma offered real resistance with a gritty 68 .
| Player | Runs | Balls | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abhishek Sharma | 68 | 73 | 93.15 |
| Harshit Rana | 35 | 33 | 106.06 |
| Mitchell Marsh (AUS) | 46 | 51 | 90.20 |
Australia chased down India’s paltry 125 with ease, thanks to a solid 63-run opening stand and Marsh’s composed 46, sealing a 4-wicket win and a 1-0 series lead .
Why This Shot Matters for Indian Cricket
More than just a six, Rana’s 104m hit represents a shift. With veterans gradually stepping back, the spotlight is now on fearless youngsters unafraid to play big shots on the biggest stage. Gambhir, known for his gritty style, seemed genuinely thrilled to see raw aggression complementing technique .
As one fan put it: “My sincere apologies to Harshit Rana today—we doubted him, but he showed up” .
What’s Next for Harshit Rana?
With the series still alive, all eyes will be on whether Rana can convert these flashes of brilliance into consistent performances. If he does, that 104m six might be remembered not just as a moment—but as the start of something special.