Chennai: Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has questioned pacer Harshit Rana’s selection across all formats, expressing doubt over his batting credentials at number eight. While acknowledging that Rana possesses a certain “X-factor,” Ashwin said he was unsure about the reasoning behind his inclusion in both the ODI and T20I squads for the upcoming Australia tour starting October 19.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin noted that Rana, who has played just 10 international matches since debuting last year, has taken 19 wickets at an average of 27.47 but is yet to register a four- or five-wicket haul. Known for his ability to extract bounce and hit the deck hard, Rana has also been prone to conceding runs at crucial moments.
“I would love to be in the selection meeting to understand why he was picked,” Ashwin said. “Maybe they believe he can bat at number eight in Australian conditions, but I’m not sure about his batting ability. Yes, he has a first-class hundred and can hit sixes, but I still have my doubts. Perhaps his selection traces back to that one fiery delivery he bowled in the 2024 IPL final — he seems to be riding on that moment.”
Rana’s 2024 IPL season with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) was indeed a breakout one, where he claimed 19 wickets in 11 innings at an average of 20.15 and an economy of 9.08, finishing as the team’s second-highest wicket-taker in their title-winning campaign.
Despite his skepticism, Ashwin admitted that Rana brings something special to the table. “People often judge from afar, but only when you face him do you realize he has something different. Whether he deserves selection right now is debatable, but that X-factor can’t be denied,” he said.
