Senior politician Shashi Tharoor sparks controversy on social media after criticizing India’s team selection Second ODI against Australia At the Adelaide Oval, where Harshit Rana was given preference over Kuldeep Yadav.
Shashi Tharoor’s ‘terrible’ taunt on Harshit Rana
Terming the decision as “appalling”, Tharoor said a proven match-winner like Kuldeep was left out in favor of a explosive fast bowler like Rana. His comments gained momentum after Australia’s Xavier Bartlett dismissed both Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli early in the innings, intensifying criticism of India’s playing XI.
“So Xavier Bartlett took just four balls to show the Indian selectors the folly of their decision to leave out their team’s most potent match-winner,
@imkuldeep18, in favor of journeyman pacers like Rana. It was wrong to leave out Kuldeep in England and it is absurd not to pick him in Adelaide. Horrible!” Tharoor tweeted.
So Xavier Bartlett took just four balls to show the Indian selectors the folly of their decision to leave out their team’s most powerful match-winner, @imkuldeep18In favor of journeyman pacers like Rana. It was wrong to leave out Kuldeep in England and not selecting him is absurd…
– Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) 23 October 2025
Fans’ reaction on Tharoor’s viral MeeshaP
Tharoor’s post quickly went viral – but not for the reasons he intended. Netizens pointed out a factual error in his comments, as the Congress leader thought Bartlett – a fast bowler – was a spinner, questioning India’s decision to keep Kuldeep on the bench. The mistake led to massive trolling, with users mocking the politician for his confusion. Many fans defended the selectors’ call to play Rana as part of a four-pacer attack to suit Adelaide’s seam-friendly conditions, mirroring Australia’s own pace-heavy strategy.
Xavier Bartlett is a fast bowler
Kuldeep is a chinamanWhat did you drink last night? Looks like you have a hangover, Shashi.
– Rohit Mundra (@RohitMu91645791) 23 October 2025
Australia is actually playing four fast bowlers as well.
India is also doing the same.
Xavier Bartlett is not a spinner. Kuldeep Yadav is there, and Axar Patel is already in the team as the spinner who will bowl 10 overs along with Washington Sundar.
Both spinners are experienced batsmen…
– Amrit Pradhan (@amritpradhan63) 23 October 2025
Selection debate: Harshit Rana vs Kuldeep Yadav
The selectors’ preference for Rana was based on his raw pace and ability to exploit movement off the surface. The youngster repaid some of the faith by dismissing Travis Head for 28, although critics argued that Kuldeep’s spin could have been more effective in the middle overs. The discussion reignited wider debate about India’s bowling balance, particularly the limited use of wrist-spin in overseas conditions. Meanwhile, Adam Zampa’s leg-spin proved decisive for Australia, reinforcing the importance of quality spin options even on fast pitches.
India eventually lost by two wickets after scoring 264/9 in 50 overs. Despite a competitive total, Matthew Short (74 off 78 balls) and Cooper Connolly (61 not out off 53 balls) powered Australia to victory in 46.2 overs. While Tharoor’s criticism appealed to some fans, the selectors remained adamant on supporting emerging fast bowlers like Rana, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar playing spin-bowling all-rounders for balance in overseas conditions.
