Former Team India opener Kris Srikkanth made a big statement about young pacer Harshit Rana’s performance in the second ODI against Australia at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday, October 24. The cricketer turned commentator said Rana could have been named Player of the Match if India had won.
India, led by Shubman Gill, retained Harshit Rana in the playing XI for the second ODI against Australia while left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav remained on the bench. The decision to retain Rana was criticized and sparked debate among fans on social media.
Rana was selected for both matches in the series so far as India prioritized batting depth. The youngster had struggled in the series opener in Perth, finishing with figures of 0-27 in four overs during the rain-affected match.
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Harshit Rana bowled very well in his first spell – Kris Srikkanth
Kris Srikkanth, who had earlier questioned Harshit Rana’s selection, was impressed with the young pacer’s first stint in the second ODI. Srikkanth stated that Rana took two important wickets and scored a crucial 24 runs. However, he criticized Rana for his performance in the second spell.
“He bowled very well in his first spell and took two good wickets. I thought India had won the match. When he took the second wicket, I even thought he had a good chance of being the Player of the Match with a crucial 24 and two wickets. But right then he bowled short ball after short ball and got smashed,” Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.
Australians love short pitch bowling – Kris Srikkanth
Kris Srikkanth criticized Harshit Rana’s second over in the second ODI, stating that the Australians took advantage of short deliveries. He added that Rana bowled effectively over the wicket but struggled in switching to around the wicket.
“There is no point in bowling short at that pace. Australians like short pitch bowling and we have fed them repeatedly. Harshit Rana bowls well when he comes over the wicket but gets crushed when he goes around the wicket,” he added.
“He got the first wicket from the confidence he got with his knock. I thought after he got a second wicket he got his confidence back. But then he and the rest of the bowlers fed Mitchell Owen and Cooper Connolly. He bowled a terrible second spell. The first spell he bowled very well.”
Harshit Rana’s all-round performance in second ODI vs Australia
Harshit quickly scored 24 off 18 balls, including three boundaries. He and Arshdeep Singh (13 off 14 balls) added a 37-run partnership for the ninth wicket as India posted 264/9 in 50 overs.
With the ball, Rana claimed key scalps including Travis Head and Matthew Short, but finished with figures of 2-59 from eight overs. However, Australia chased down the target with two wickets in hand, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
Rana, along with India’s other seamers, struggled with cramps throughout the match, raising concerns about their fitness with just one day’s rest before the series decider. The third and final ODI between India and Australia will take place on Saturday, October 25 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
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