'Why is he even in the team?' – Ex-India captain lambasts Harshit Rana selection

Former India chairman of selectors criticized the team management's decision to include in the for the Australia tour on Saturday, while also questioning the multiple squad reshuffles and the omission of Sanju Samson from the wicket-keeper's backup position. Srikkanth expressed his concerns through his YouTube channel, focusing particularly on Rana, who made his debut across formats within four months since November 2024.

Harshit Rana, who was part of the recent Asia Cup-winning squad, has been selected as one of the four specialist pacers for the three-match ODI series in Australia. The selection has sparked debate about the team management's strategy and player selection criteria.

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"By making such selections constantly, they are confusing the players themselves. Even we aren't sure everyday what the selection will be. Suddenly Yashasvi Jaiswal is there and then next minute he won't be there. There is only one permanent member - Harshit Rana. Nobody knows why he is there in the team. By chopping and changing all the time, they'll dent the confidence of the players," Srikkanth stated.


Srikkanth further expressed his concerns about the selection process and its implications for future tournaments. "You don't pick some players even if they do well and take others even if they don't. Best is to be like Harshit Rana and be a constant yes-man to Gambhir to be selected. You should start building towards the 2027 World Cup. But I feel they've not. If you pick Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy among the probabilities, then you can wave goodbye to the trophy."

Rana's international career began with his Test debut during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy tour to Australia, where he claimed four wickets in two matches. He subsequently made his ODI debut against England and was included in the ODI Champions Trophy squad in the United Arab Emirates.

The young pacer's performance in the Asia Cup was not particularly impressive, as he took two wickets while conceding 79 runs in two matches. His showing against Sri Lanka in the Super 4s, where he gave away 54 runs for a single wicket, drew specific criticism from Srikkanth.

"Harshit Rana does too many filmy gimmicks. All these filmy reactions aren't of any use, you've to actually bowl well. He does all these filmy reactions in the IPL as well. This is not a good attitude, it's just showboating. He drives after the ball is already last him. Why dive after the goal has already been scored? Aggression is different but showboating so much at a young age is why he got punished today," Srikkanth remarked about Rana's on-field behavior.

The selection controversy highlights the ongoing debate about team composition and selection policies in Indian cricket. The frequent changes in the squad and the criteria for selection have raised questions about the long-term strategy for building the team.

The discussion around Rana's selection and performance reflects broader concerns about the balance between giving opportunities to young players and maintaining consistency in team selection. The debate continues as India prepares for their upcoming series against Australia.
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