Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has openly supported Harshit Rana after his commendable performance in Sydney as he criticized Kris Srikkanth for unnecessarily criticizing a player who till then had not even been given many chances to prove himself.
The inclusion of Harshit Rana in the Indian squad across all three formats of the game is raising serious doubts over the credibility of the selection committee, and former selector Kris Srikkanth was one of the most famous names to express his displeasure over the KKR pacer’s inclusion.
Harshit Rana hits back at critics with brilliant performance in Sydney
Harshit Rana remained a part of the Indian attack continuously in the three matches on the Australia tour and this time he did not disappoint his coach. After playing all 3 games and bowling 20.4 overs, his economy rate may not have been the best, but he became the leading wicket-taker.
Harshit Rana took 6 wickets in the series, 4 of which came in the final ODI in Sydney alone, where he shared the new ball with Mohammed Siraj. He had already taken two wickets in Adelaide.
Emerging as the leading wicket-taker, Harshit has silenced his critics with stellar performances and has sealed his place in all the overseas series for India in the next few months.
Sunil Gavaskar criticizes his former teammate over Harshit Rana’s unpleasant criticism
Responding to Srikkanth’s criticism, especially after Rana’s stellar performance in the Australia tour and his stellar performance in Sydney, Gavaskar said that criticism should be leveled only when a player has had enough chances to perform; Otherwise, it affects their morale.
Gavaskar said on India Today, “I am very happy to see Harshit Rana taking four wickets because he has been the target of criticism. It is a bit difficult to understand because, at the end of the day, it is our team. And by all means, criticize later but not first. Because by criticizing anyone, any player first, you are actually demoralizing that player.”
He said, “Once the series is over, you can by all means ask why they were selected because then you also get the benefit of foresight. But once the team is selected, we all should support the team 100% and want it to win. Because at the end of the day, it is our team, it is India’s team.”
Even Srikkanth was forced to praise Rana after taking four wickets at SCG
The same teammate, Kris Srikkanth, who had criticized Harshit Rana’s selection claiming that it was not because of the player’s talent but because of Gautam Gambhir being ‘always a yes man’, has now changed his version to a positive comment while praising the Indian fast bowler.
Unlike other bowlers, Rana may not have been economical, but he took many wickets, especially in the last two matches. Srikanth also admitted that Rana bowled brilliantly and taking four wickets in an ODI match is a big achievement.
He also admitted that he had criticized Rana earlier too and said that he has performed very well and the more he performs like this, the more he will earn a reputation as a confident bowler.
Also read: BCCI selector declares Rohit Sharma as definite selection for 2027 World Cup
