Former India batsman Mohammad Kaif has shared his views on why Harshit Rana has been given preference over Mohammad Shami and Mohammad Siraj in the Indian national cricket team. Kaif also mentioned that head coach Gautam Gambhir gives a lot of importance to the Delhi fast bowler for his batting ability.
Speaking on Cricbuzz, Mohammad Kaif believes that batsmen get their chances in the team a little later than bowlers, even if they continue to perform well in domestic cricket or the IPL; Due to competition in the team, he does not get a chance easily.
Mohammad Kaif explained why bowlers get opportunities sooner than batsmen.
Kaif answered the question as to why fast bowlers get early chances due to injury concerns and workload management during the game. He talked about players like Gurnoor Brar, who has not yet played in the IPL for Gujarat Titans but has already made his ODI debut and is bowling well.
“If you are a batsman, you will get a chance to play later. Even if you keep performing well in the IPL and wherever you are playing, there is no guarantee that your name will be in the Indian team. But if you are a fast bowler, like Gurnoor Brar, who is part of the India setup but has not played an IPL match yet, you may still get a chance.”
Should Shami and Siraj be contenders for the 2027 World Cup@MohammadKaif and @ImZaheer assess their chances #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/wBY1RkGg31
– Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) July 21, 2026
“Fast bowlers are being fast-tracked because of persistent injury concerns and the difficulty of workload management. A lot of players are benefiting from this. You have Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, who have done well and have great records, and Harshit Rana is also doing well.”
Mohammad Kaif told why Harshit Rana gets more preference?
Kaif explains that Harshit Rana has been preferred over Mohammed Shami, and Siraj has been preferred because of the former’s batting ability. Harshit Rana has been useful as a batsman and has played some good innings for India in tough times, and has also scored a half-century in ODIs, giving him an edge over other bowlers.
“Harshit Rana has another advantage – he can bat as well. He provides balance at No. 8, which is one reason Gautam Gambhir rates him highly. Of the fast bowlers in contention, very few can contribute with the bat, and that gives Harshit an edge.”
Mohammad Kaif called India’s X-factor in bowling attack.
Mohammad Kaif also revealed that his most influential bowler and the He impressed with good pace and sling action in his T20 debut and can bowl well with the new ball as well as in the death overs.
Prince Yadav has taken 5 wickets in 4 matches in T20Is since his debut, and in ODIs he has taken 4 wickets in 3 matches played for the Men in Blue.
“If I had to add another name, it would be Prince Yadav. I believe he has the X-factor. He bowls at real pace and is able to use the new ball, bowl the middle overs and bowl the death overs.”