Former off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin spoke about the selection of pacer Harshit Rana ahead of India’s upcoming white-ball tour of Australia. Ashwin expressed surprise at the reason behind Rana’s inclusion, adding that he played for a while based on that one performance from the IPL 2024 final.
The 23-year-old has been included in India’s ODI and T20I squads for the white-ball tour of Australia. He made his Test debut during the 2024-2025 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Rana has played two Tests, five ODIs and three T20Is. He was also part of India’s winning campaign at the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Harshit Rana has been playing for that one delivery – Ravichandran Ashwin – for a while now
Ravichandran Ashwin took to his YouTube channel to question Harshit Rana’s selection in the Indian team. Ashwin noted that the selectors may have picked Rana as a fast bowler who can bat at number 8, but he is unsure about his batting ability.
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“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, I see the reason, in Australia we need that fast bowler who can bat,” Ashwin said.
“Someone trusts that he can bat, and that’s why they select him as a potential No. 8. But I’m 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 played for that one delivery for a while now,” he added.
Some asked why Ravindra Jadeja was picked – Ravichandran Ashwin
The former off-spinner questioned Rana’s lower-order batting skills. Ashwin compared the situation to past criticism that players like Ravindra Jadeja and himself faced despite their proven skills.
“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 belief in him,” Ashwin added.
“Today everyone hails 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 has some X-Factor – Ravichandran Ashwin on Harshit Rana
Ravichandran Ashwin also acknowledged Harshit Rana’s talent and added that he has an X-factor. However, Ashwin stated that Rana’s selection for the upcoming tour is highly questionable.
“Many people make judgments based on their assumptions. But only when we face the music on the ground will we get to know. Similarly, Harshit Rana can somehow come across from a distance,” said Ashwin (via the aforementioned source).
“But it is only when you get a heavy ball from him that you understand that he has something. Whether he deserves selection or not is a secondary issue, but he has an X-factor, let’s not forget that. But if you ask me whether he deserves selection now, it is very doubtful.”
Harshit Rana had a standout 2024 IPL season, taking 19 wickets in 13 matches at an average of 20.15, helping Kolkata Knight Riders secure their third title.
The pacer was also part of India’s victorious Champions Trophy squad. He played two of the five matches and took four wickets. In total, Rana played in 10 games across formats for India, picking up 19 wickets. India will play three ODIs and five T20Is against Australia from October 19.
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