Former India all-rounder R Ashwin has questioned the all-format inclusion of Harshit Rana, while acknowledging that the Delhi pacer possesses raw talent to flourish in the near future. The veteran off-spinner did not also find merit in Rana’s batting skills, which has been mentioned as one of the reasons the seamer has got the nod in recent months.
Ashwin also added that Rana’s presence across formats since the IPL 2024 reason may just be on the merit of his exploits in the final against SunRisers Hyderabad that season, where he picked up two wickets.
“Why they are selecting him, I am not sure. I would love to be in the selection meeting to know the reason behind his inclusion. From my side, the reason I see is – In Australia we need that fast bowler who can bat. Someone trusts that he can bat, which is why they are selecting him as a potential No. 8. But I am not sure about his batting ability. Two years back he bowled a brilliant pacy delivery in the IPL final that flew off the edge (Nitish Kumar Reddy’s dismissal). He has played for a while now for that one delivery ,” remarked Ashwn on his YouTube channel.
‘He has the ability’
Ashwin, however, recognised Rana’s potential to become a vital bowler across formats for India. The 23-year-old made his Test debut for India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy last year, before subsequently making his limited-overs debuts within the next four months.
“He definitely has the ability with the ball. I will not accept it if someone says he doesn’t have the skill. He definitely does. Such selections happen sometimes because you observe something from a player through close quarters and gain belief in him. Today everyone hails Ravindra Jadeja as a great player. But a time was there when some asked why Ravindra Jadeja was getting picked. I’ve picked up 540 wickets yet there were people that asked why I was getting picked,” Ashwin added.
‘X-Factor’
While his selection may be debatable, Ashwin highlighted the qualities that make Rana an excitable talent. “Many people make judgemental calls based on their assumptions. But only when we face the music on the ground, we’ll come to know. Likewise, Harshit Rana might come across in some way from a distance. But only when you face a heavy ball from him, you’ll understand that he has something . Whether he deserves selection or not is a secondary issue, but he’s got some X-factor, let’s not forget that. Yet, if you ask me if he deserves selection now, it’s very questionable,” said Ashwin.
