Former Indian spinner Ravichandra Ashwin did not mince his words during the recent criticism of the Indian selectors for picking Harshit Rana in every format of the game. He labeled it as a questionable move and even expressed his desire to be present during the selection meetings to know the exact reason behind the choice.
Pacer Harshit Rana has somehow managed to break into the Indian team in all three formats, although his appearance in the Playing XI has been very limited. Even during his participation, he underperformed with the ball.
Harshit has also been chosen for both the ODI and T20I squads, which travel to Australia later this month, and many have suggested that it is his old connections with head coach Gautam Gambhir from the KKR days that have made him an all-format player.
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Ravichandran Ashwin’s brutal verdict on Harshit Rana’s selection across formats
Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has been surprised by the Indian pacer’s sudden evolution as the Men in Blue’s three-format cricketer. He has also belittled Harshit Rana’s batting skills, which are in sync with his hitherto unimpressive batting form.
“Why they are selecting him, I am not sure. I would like to be at the selection meeting to know the reason behind his inclusion. From my side, the reason I see is that in Australia we need a fast bowler who can bat. Someone trusts that he can bat, and that is why they are selecting him as a potential number 8. But I am not sure about his batting ability.”
“Two years ago, he bowled a brilliant quick delivery in the IPL final that flew over the edge (Nitish Kumar Reddy’s dismissal). He has been playing for that one delivery for a while now,” Ashwin said in a video on his YouTube channel.
Ashwin is backing Harshit Rana for his skill with the ball
Despite initially criticizing his selection, Ashwin did not completely disagree with his stance as he has no doubts about the caliber the KKR pacer possesses.
“But he definitely has the skill with the ball. I won’t accept it if anyone says he doesn’t have the skill. He certainly does. Such selections sometimes happen because you observe something from a player closely and get faith in him,” Ashwin contradicted his own statement.
“Today everyone considers Ravindra Jadeja as a great player. But there was a time when some people asked why Ravindra Jadeja was picked. I have collected 540 wickets but there were people who asked why I was picked,” he added.
“Only when we face the music on the ground will we get to know it,” Ashwin opens up a challenge to the KKR pacer
After contradicting himself several times, Ashwin has left the ICT fans confused, but concluding on the fact that Harshit Rana certainly has an
“Many people make judgments based on their assumptions. But only when we face the music on the ground will we come to know. Similarly, Harshit Rana can somehow come across from a distance. But only when you get a heavy ball from him will you understand that he has something.”
“Whether he deserves selection or not is a secondary issue but he has an
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