Former player Ravichandran Ashwin has spoken about pacer Harshit Rana’s selection ahead of India’s upcoming white-ball tour of Australia. Ashwin expressed surprise over the reason for Rana’s inclusion, adding that he had been playing for a while based on that one delivery in the IPL 2024 final.
The 23-year-old has been named in India’s ODI and T20I squads for the white-ball tour of Australia. He made his Test debut in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Rana has played two Tests, five ODIs and three T20Is. He was also part of India’s winning campaign in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Harshit Rana has been playing for a while now for this one delivery – Ravichandran Ashwin
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin questioned Harshit Rana’s selection in the Indian team. Ashwin noted that the selectors could have picked Rana as a fast bowler capable of batting at No. 8, but he is not sure about his batting ability.
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“Why they are selecting him, I am not sure. I would love to attend the selection meeting to know the reason for his inclusion. From my part, the reason I see is that in Australia we need that fast bowler who can bat,” Ashwin said.
“Someone has confidence that he can bat, that’s why they are selecting him as a potential No. 8. But I am not sure about his batting ability. Two years ago, he had a brilliant quick performance in the IPL final that took off (Nitish Kumar Reddy’s dismissal). He has been playing for a while now for that one delivery,” he added.
Some asked why Ravindra Jadeja was chosen – Ravichandran Ashwin
The former off-spinner questioned Rana’s lower-order batting skills. Ashwin compared the situation to past criticism leveled by players like Ravindra Jadeja and himself, despite their proven skills.
“But he certainly has skills with the ball. I won’t accept anyone saying he doesn’t have the skills. He certainly has that. Such selections happen sometimes because you observe something of a player closely and gain confidence in him,” Ashwin continued.
“Today, everyone hails Ravindra Jadeja as a great player. But there was a time when some wondered why Ravindra Jadeja was picked. I picked up 540 wickets and yet there were people who asked why I was picked.”
It has an X factor – Ravichandran Ashwin on Harshit Rana
Ravichandran Ashwin also acknowledged Harshit Rana’s talent, adding that he has a certain X-factor. However, Ashwin said that Rana’s selection for the upcoming tour was very questionable.
“A lot of people make judgments based on their assumptions. But only when we face the music on the ground will we know. Similarly, Harshit Rana might be seen somehow from a distance,” Ashwin said (via the aforementioned source).
“But it’s only when you face heavy ball from him that you will understand that he has something. Whether or not he deserves a selection is a secondary question, but he has an
Harshit Rana had an exceptional IPL 2024 season, taking 19 wickets in 13 matches at an average of 20.15, helping Kolkata Knight Riders win their third title.
The pacer was also part of the victorious Indian team in the Champions Trophy. He played two of the five matches and took four wickets. In total, Rana featured in 10 matches across all formats for India, picking up 19 wickets. India will play three ODIs and five T20Is against Australia, starting from October 19.
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