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"Nobody knows why he's there": Srikkanth baffled with Harshit Rana's selection for AUS tour

Akshita Patel

Harshit Rana in spotlight after selection in Australia series [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X.com]Harshit Rana in spotlight after selection in Australia series [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X.com]

Former India captain and selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth has strongly criticised the selection of young pacer Harshit Rana in the Indian ODI squad for the upcoming Australia tour, raising questions about the team's selection policy and constant reshuffles.

Rana, who made his international debut just 4 months ago, has seen a rapid rise but has struggled to impress consistently in recent tournaments, including the Asia Cup, where he took only 2 wickets while conceding 79 runs in 2 matches.  

Srikkanth questions the credentials of Harshit Rana

Harshit Rana, in just 4 months of his international debut, was fast-tracked across all formats. His recent selection in the ODI squad for the upcoming Australia series has raised questions. 

Former Indian captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth, speaking on his YouTube channel, called Rana the 'only permanent' member of the Indian team. He also pointed out that the constant chopping and changing in the squad is harming players' confidence. 

"By making such selections constantly, they are confusing the players themselves. Even we aren't sure everyday what the selection will be. Suddenly Yashasvi Jaiswal is there and then next minute he won't be there. There is only one permanent member - Harshit Rana. Nobody knows why he is there in the team. By chopping and changing all the time, they'll dent the confidence of the players," Srikkanth said.

The former star also criticised Harshit Rana's on-field behaviour, describing his actions as "filmy gimmicks" that do not contribute to actual performance. 

"You don't pick some players even if they do well and take others even if they don't. Best is to be like Harshit Rana and be a constant yes-man to Gambhir to be selected. You should start building towards the 2027 World Cup. But I feel they've not. If you pick Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy among the probabilities, then you can wave goodbye to the trophy," he added.

Srikkanth highlighted incidents in the IPL and Asia Cup where Rana’s flashy dives and reactions didn't result in meaningful cricketing impact. Harshit Rana, who was part of India's Asia Cup-winning squad, has already represented the team in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is since his debut during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy tour to Australia. 

While he has shown potential, his performances have been inconsistent, prompting former players and selectors like Srikkanth to question his continued inclusion in the squad.