India’s pace-bowling all-rounder Harshit Rana said he enjoys opening the bowling alongside Arshdeep Singh, praising the left-arm seamer for building pressure at the other end and easing the workload for whoever is partnering him.

Harshit Rana spoke after India’s seven wicket win in the third T20I at the HPCA Stadium on Sunday and underlined Arshdeep Singh’s maturity and accuracy as major reasons the pair succeeded on a surface that suited seamers. With Jasprit Bumrah missing due to personal reasons, the responsibility to strike early fell on the young quicks, and they delivered by taking three wickets in the powerplay.

“I really enjoy opening the bowling with him, particularly because he applies constant pressure from one side. I like to give him company with what I bring to the attack. His experience is invaluable, and bowling alongside him makes my job much easier,” Rana said in a video released on Monday.

Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana combined to claim four wickets while giving away 47 runs in their eight overs, setting up India’s control over South Africa. The Men in Blue completed the chase comfortably, handing India a 2–1 lead in the five-match series.

Rana said he was informed about his inclusion at the last moment and mentioned that he really relished bowling in Dharamsala.

“I only got to know around midnight that I’d be playing this game. It’s my first visit to Dharamsala, I’ve never been here before. Bowling here is really enjoyable as the conditions and weather offer plenty of assistance, and I had a great time,” he added.