Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin recently left no stone unturned in his words while criticizing the Indian selectors for choosing Harshit Rana in every format of the game. He termed it a suspicious move and also expressed his desire to be present during the selection meetings to know the exact reason behind the selection.
Fast bowler Harshit Rana has somehow managed to make it into the Indian team in all three formats of the game, although his presence in the playing eleven has been very limited. Even on his occasions of involvement, he has performed poorly with the ball.
Harshit has also been selected for both the ODI and T20 squads that will tour Australia later this month and many have suggested that his long-standing relationship with head coach Gautam Gambhir from his KKR days has made him an all-format player.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s cruel decision on Harshit Rana’s selection in all formats
Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has been surprised by the Indian fast bowler’s sudden evolution as a three-format cricketer for the Men in Blue. He has also underestimated Harshit Rana’s batting ability, which is in line with his not-so-impressive batting form so far.
“Why they are picking him, I’m not sure. I would love to attend the selection meeting to know the reason behind his inclusion. From my side, the reason I see is that in Australia we need a fast bowler who can bat. One is confident that he can bat, which is why they are picking him as a probable No. 8. But I am not sure about his batting ability.”
“Two years ago, he bowled a brilliant fast ball in the IPL final which flew over the edge (to dismiss Nitish Kumar Reddy). He has been playing for that one ball for a long time,” Ashwin said in a video on his YouTube channel.
Ashwin supports Harshit Rana’s ability with the ball
Despite initially criticizing his selection, Ashwin did not completely disagree with his position, as he has no doubts about the KKR fast bowler’s ability.
“But he definitely has the ability with the ball. If someone says he doesn’t have the skill I won’t accept it. He definitely has. Such selections happen sometimes because you watch a player closely and gain confidence in him,” Ashwin contradicted his own statement.
He said, “Today, everyone appreciates Ravindra Jadeja as a great player. But there was a time when some people asked why Ravindra Jadeja was being selected. I have taken 540 wickets, still there were people who asked why I was being selected.”
Ashwin challenged the KKR fast bowler and said, “We will know only when we face the music on the field.”
After contradicting himself on several occasions, Ashwin has left ICT fans confused, but concluding on the fact that Harshit Rana has definitely got some X-factor, and only time will tell whether his selection is right or wrong, he has given a clear verdict claiming that his selection in the team is very doubtful at the moment.
“A lot of people make decisions based on their perceptions. But only when we face the music on the ground, we realise. Similarly, Harshit Rana may somehow come from a distance. But only when you face his heavy ball, you will understand that he has something.”
“Whether he is worth selection or not is a secondary issue, but he has got some X-factors; we should not forget that. Still, if you ask me whether he is worth selection now, it is very doubtful,” Ashwin said.
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