India’s stylish opener Abhishek Sharma revealed that Harshit Rana’s promotion ahead of Shivam Dube came down to the plan of establishing a left-right combination during the second T20I against Australia in Melbourne.

While many were surprised to see Harshit batting up in the order, Abhishek remained unfazed, considering he was aware of Harshit’s batting ability, courtesy of their battle in the nets. During India’s nightmarish outing in the first innings after being put to bat, Abhishek (68) and Harshit (35) were the two architects who kept the visitors in the contest.

Australia’s lethal pace attack left India in tatters with Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Ellis clearing the top-order with ease. With India’s innings dwindling at 49/5 in the 8th over, Abhishek and Harshit stitched up a 56-run s

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