Former off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin opened up about the selection of fast bowler Harshit Rana ahead of India’s upcoming tour of Australia. Ashwin expressed surprise at the reason behind Rana’s inclusion and said that he has played for a while based on that one ball in the IPL 2024 final.
The 23-year-old has been named in India’s ODI and T20 squads for the white-ball tour of Australia. He made his Test debut during the 2024â25 BorderâGavaskar Trophy. Rana has played two Tests, five ODIs and three T20 matches. He was also a part of India’s victorious campaign during the Champions Trophy 2025.
Harshit Rana has been playing for that one ball for a long time – Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin, while talking on his YouTube channel, raised questions on the selection of Harshit Rana in the Indian team. Ashwin said that the selectors might have picked Rana as a fast bowler who can bat at number eight, but he is not sure about his batting ability.
“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 – in Australia we need a fast bowler who can bat,” Ashwin said.
“One has confidence 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 past the edge (dismissing Nitish Kumar Reddy). He has been playing for that one ball for a long time,” he said.
Some people asked why Ravindra Jadeja was being selected – Ravichandran Ashwin
The former off-spinner questioned Rana’s lower-order batting skills. Ashwin compared the situation to the criticism that players like Ravindra Jadeja and himself had to face in the past, despite their proven skills.
“But he definitely has the ability with the ball. If someone says he doesn’t have the skill then I won’t accept it. He definitely has. Such selections happen sometimes because you watch a player closely and gain confidence in him,” Ashwin further added.
“Today everyone considers Ravindra Jadeja 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.”
He has some X-factor – Ravichandran Ashwin on Harshit Rana
Ravichandran Ashwin also acknowledged the talent of Harshit Rana and said that he has some X-factor. However, Ashwin said that Rana’s selection for the upcoming tour is highly doubtful.
Ashwin said (via the above source), “A lot of people make decisions based on their perceptions. But only when we face the music on the ground, we will know. Similarly, Harshit Rana may also come from a distance somehow.”
“But only when you face his heavy ball, you will understand that he has something. Whether he deserves 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 deserves selection now, it is very doubtful.”
Harshit Rana had a fantastic IPL 2024 season, taking 19 wickets in 13 matches at an average of 20.15, helping Kolkata Knight Riders clinch their third title.
This fast bowler was also a part of India’s winning Champions Trophy team. He played two out of five matches and took four wickets. Overall, Rana has taken 19 wickets in 10 matches across all formats for India. India will play three ODIs and five T20 matches against Australia from October 19.
Also read: After warning to Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ajit Agarkar is in danger of losing the job of chief selector!
