R Ashwin questions Harshit Rana’s Indian selection: ‘I would like to know the reasoning behind his inclusion’ | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: Former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has raised eyebrows over pacer Harshit Rana’s selection in all formats, expressing doubts over his batting ability at number eight while acknowledging the bowler’s ‘X-Factor’. Rana has been named in India’s ODI and T20I squads for the upcoming white-ball series in Australia, starting October 19.Go beyond borders with our YouTube channel. REGISTER NOW!Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin questioned the reasoning behind Rana’s all-format inclusion, despite the fact that the pacer has only featured in 10 matches since last year, taking 19 wickets at an average of 27.47 without any four or five wicket hauls. While praising Rana’s ability to hit hard on the deck and pick crucial wickets, Ashwin noted the bowler’s tendency to concede runs.

“Why are they selecting him? I’m not sure. I would love to attend the selection meeting to know the reasoning behind his inclusion,” Ashwin said. “From my point of view, the reason why I see this is because in Australia we need a fast bowler who can bat. Someone has confidence that he can bat, that’s why they are selecting him as a potential number eight. However, I am not sure about his batting ability. Two years ago, he delivered a brilliant quick delivery in the IPL final that took off. He has been playing for a while now for that one delivery.”

Ashwin highlighted that Rana’s breakthrough came during the IPL 2024 season with Kolkata Knight Riders, where he took 19 wickets in 11 innings at an average of 20.15 and an economy rate of 9.08, finishing as the team’s second-highest wicket-taker in their title campaign.Despite his doubts, Ashwin admitted that Rana has something special. “A lot of people make judgments based on their assumptions. But it is only when we are faced with the music on the field that we will know. Similarly, Harshit Rana might appear somehow from distance. But it is only when you are faced with a heavy ball from him that you will understand that he has something. Whether or not he deserves to be selected is a secondary question, but he has a certain X factor, ne let’s not forget it. Yet if you ask me if he deserves to be selected now, it is very debatable,” he added.