India, Oct. 26 -- Both Harshit Rana and Gautam Gambhir faced immense pressure ahead of Saturday's final ODI in Sydney. The fast bowler had come under scrutiny for poor returns in the first two games, compounding his inconsistent international form. The India head coach, meanwhile, was under fire as the Delhi speedster had yet to justify his selection, despite Gambhir fiercely defending him. But after a stern pre-match talk from Gambhir, Rana delivered a four-wicket haul in India's nine-wicket win over Australia.

Following a poor outing in the Asia Cup, which fueled criticism over his selection for the ODI series in Australia, Rana picked just two wickets, conceding 86 runs in 12 overs across the first two matches. The added pressure weig...