Cricket veteran Ravichandran Ashwin has sparked debate regarding the surprising all-format selection of fast bowler Harshit Rana for India’s upcoming white-ball series in Australia, set to begin on October 19th. While acknowledging Rana’s unique ‘X-Factor’ and knack for taking crucial wickets, Ashwin voiced considerable skepticism about the young pacer’s batting capabilities, especially if he is envisioned as a number eight batsman.
During a discussion on his personal YouTube channel, Ashwin delved into the rationale behind Rana’s inclusion. He highlighted that Rana has played only 10 matches since last year, securing 19 wickets at an average of 27.47, notably without any four or five-wicket hauls. Despite praising Rana’s ability to bowl with pace and deliver game-changing wickets, Ashwin also pointed out his tendency to be expensive with the ball.
“I’m genuinely puzzled by his selection and would love to sit in on the selection meeting to understand the thought process,” Ashwin remarked. “My only guess is that the team might be looking for a fast bowler who can contribute with the bat in Australia, specifically at number eight. However, I’m not convinced about his batting skills. I recall a brilliant, pacy delivery he bowled in the IPL final two years ago, which suggests he has that spark. He seems to have been playing largely on the back of that one moment for quite some time now.”
Ashwin conceded that Rana’s standout performance came in the 2024 IPL season with the Kolkata Knight Riders. There, he impressed by taking 19 wickets in 11 innings, boasting an average of 20.15 and an economy rate of 9.08, ultimately becoming the team’s second-highest wicket-taker during their championship-winning campaign.
Concluding his analysis, Ashwin admitted that despite his reservations, Harshit Rana undeniably possesses a special quality. “People often make quick judgments from a distance,” he mused. “But it’s only when you face his pace and aggression on the pitch that you truly understand his potential. He definitely has an ‘X-factor’ that shouldn’t be overlooked. Yet, if you ask me whether he fully deserves this national team call-up right now, it remains a very debatable question.”