R Ashwin On Harshit Rana: Former Indian star cricketer R Ashwin didn’t hesitate even for a second to share his opinion when asked about the selection of Indian pacer Harshit Rana for the upcoming ODI series against Australia. Some young players dream to debut in all three formats, whereas on the other hand Harshit has made it to the Indian team in all three formats at a very young age, but despite that he doesn’t get much chance in the playing XI. After seeing the name of Harshit in the playing XI, many fans were confused as to why he was named in the squad. Some felt it’s because he has a KKR connection with Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir; that is why he is the favorite player in all three formats.
R Ashwin On Harshit Rana Selection In IND vs AUS Series
R Ashwin, in a recently shared video on his YouTube channel, stated about Harshit’s selection in the Indian team. When the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the squad, there was no logic given behind Harshit’s selection in the team. However, Ashwin feels that it’s because he can be handy with the bat if the situation comes.
R Ashwin said,
“Why they are selecting him, I am not sure. I would love to be in the selection meeting to know the reason behind his inclusion. From my side, the reason I see is that in Australia we need that fast bowler who can bat. Someone trusts that he can bat, which is why they are selecting him as a potential No. 8. But I am not sure about his batting ability. Two years back he bowled a brilliant pacy delivery in the IPL final that flew off the edge. He has played for a while now for that one delivery.”
R Ashwin On Harshit Rana Selection Calls It Questionable
Further, R Ashwin stated that he is not fully in support of Harshit’s selection in the team but can’t even doubt his place, as he has performed really well for KKR in the past.
“But he definitely has the ability with the ball. I will not accept it if someone says he doesn’t have the skill. He definitely does. Such selections happen sometimes because you observe something from a player at close quarters and gain belief in him. Today, everyone hails Ravindra Jadeja as a great player. But a time was there when some asked why Ravindra Jadeja is a great player. But a time was there when some asked why Ravindra Jadeja was getting picked. I’ve picked up 540 wickets, yet there were people who asked why I was getting picked.”
R Ashwin also said,
“Many people make judgmental calls based on their assumptions. But only when we face the music on the ground will we come to know. Likewise, Harshit Rana might come across in some way from a distance. But only when you face a heavy ball from him will you understand that he has something. Whether he deserves selection or not is a secondary issue, but he’s got some X-factor; let’s not forget that. Yet, if you ask me if he deserves selection now, it’s very questionable.”
IND vs AUS Schedule
Now, it will be interesting to see whether Harshit Rana will be able to break into the Playing XI against Australia in the upcoming games or not. The Men In Blue will start their campaign against Australia in a three-match ODI series starting from October 19. India’s campaign against Australia will start on October 19 (Perth), October 23 (Adelaide), and October 25 (Sydney).
Also Read: Rohit Sharma Breaks Silence After Captaincy Snub, Talks About Facing Australia
