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"Overhyped, Quota Player" Fans Bash Gambhir For Harshit Rana's Last Minute Test Entry

Akshita Patel

Fans unhappy with Harshit Rana's inclusion in Test squad [Source: @PTI, @DelhiDecoded/X.com]Fans unhappy with Harshit Rana's inclusion in Test squad [Source: @PTI, @DelhiDecoded/X.com]

In a major development, Harshit Rana has allegedly been added to India's Test squad for the 5-match series in England, according to reports. The 23-year-old fast-bowling all-rounder was already in England with the India A side and has been asked to stay back, a decision that is now being heavily criticised by fans.

According to Jagran News, India’s team management opted to include Rana as an extra pace bowling option because Jasprit Bumrah might be rested for some matches in the gruelling 5-Test series. 

With conditions in England favouring seamers and the tight schedule in place, the selectors felt it was wise to bolster their fast bowling arsenal, which already includes Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and Arshdeep Singh.

Fans Blame Gautam Gambhir For Choosing Harshit Rana Over Anshul Kamboj

However, Indian cricket fans are deeply disappointed with the decision. In the India A series against England Lions, Harshit Rana picked up a single wicket, whereas Anshul Kamboj scalped 5 dismissals.

Moreover, on his debut tour to Australia last year, Rana got 4 wickets in 2 innings. On the other hand, Kamboj has 74 wickets in first-class cricket with 2 five-wicket-haul and a solitary 10-wicket-haul.

According to fans, Kamboj is a more Test-specific bowler, whereas Rana is an all-rounder who still needs polishing. Not only that, fans accused head coach Gautam Gambhir of favouritism.

"Anshul outperformed Rana — but still out. Where’s the merit, Coach GG?" - @Abhinav_hariom

Fan tweet [Source: @Abhinav_hariom/X.com]Fan tweet [Source: @Abhinav_hariom/X.com]

"This is the Gautam Gambhir era. Harshit Rana has been asked to stay in the England after doing nothing. But Anshul Kamboj who performed very well has left for India. If this is not favouritism and politics then what is??" - @abhaysingh_13

Fan tweet [Source: @abhaysingh_13/X.com]Fan tweet [Source: @abhaysingh_13/X.com]

"Harshit Rana must have tea on Gambhir or Agarkar. No other reason why he is given chances in test cricket." - @DelhiDecoded

Fan tweet [Source: @DelhiDecoded/X.com]Fan tweet [Source: @DelhiDecoded/X.com]

"Harshit Rana is the most overhyped and biggest quota player of all time" - @rohit_ydv96

Fan tweet [Source: @rohit_ydv96/X.com]Fan tweet [Source: @rohit_ydv96/X.com]

"I have seen lots of players who have potential were favoured by captain or Coach. But In a Harshit Rana case I see hope rather than believe especially when you've proper test match Bowler like Anshul Kamboj. Let's see how much we stretched it.  Favouritism at its peak." - @CricCrazyAnkit

Fan tweet [Source: @CricCrazyAnkit/X.com]Fan tweet [Source: @CricCrazyAnkit/X.com]

While the stats favour Anshul Kamboj, the selection committee has prioritised Harshit Rana for now, likely for his past experience in overseas tours. Moreover, with a pace-heavy lineup, the team needs all-rounders who can bat deep, as the team already lacks seniors in Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin.