Ravi Ashwin questions Harshit Rana’s selection for Australia tour. Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has raised doubts over Harshit Rana’s, inclusion in India’s white-ball squads for the upcoming tour of Australia. His remarks come shortly after India announced their ODI and T20I squads for the series, which includes three ODIs and five T20Is.
Rana, who was also part of India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad last month, continues to find a place in the national setup despite inconsistent performances — a decision that has sparked debate among former cricketers and fans alike.
Many have also pointed fingers at head coach Gautam Gambhir, accusing him of showing favoritism towards Rana. Gambhir had previously mentored the young pacer during Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) title-winning campaign in the IPL 2024. Over the past year, Rana has represented India across all three formats.
Ravi Ashwin Unsure About Harshit Rana’s Selection
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ravi Ashwin admitted that he isn’t sure why Harshit Rana has been included in India’s squads for the upcoming Australia tour. The 39-year-old suggested one possible reason could be India’s need for a fast bowler who can also contribute with the bat, though he expressed doubts about Rana’s batting capabilities.
“Why they are selecting him, I am not sure. I would love to be in the selection meeting to understand the reasoning behind his inclusion. From my perspective, in Australia, we need a fast bowler who can bat. Perhaps someone believes he can handle that role, which is why they see him as a potential No. 8,” Ravi Ashwin said.
Ravi Ashwin: He added, “I am not fully sure about his batting ability. Two years ago, he bowled a brilliant pace delivery in the IPL final that led to Nitish Kumar Reddy’s dismissal. He has been noticed for that one delivery for quite some time now.”
Ravi Ashwin, who retired from international cricket in December 2024, also acknowledged Rana’s bowling skills, noting that the team management’s faith in him indicates his potential.
“But he definitely has skill with the ball. I won’t accept anyone saying he lacks talent—he certainly does. Sometimes selections happen because you observe a player closely and gain belief in him,” Ravi Ashwin said.
He further drew a parallel with other players who faced scrutiny early in their careers: “Today, everyone praises Ravindra Jadeja as a great player. But there was a time when people questioned his selection. Even I’ve taken 540 wickets, and yet there were always questions about why I was chosen.”
Rana made his international debut in November 2024 during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. He has taken four wickets in two Tests and 10 wickets in five ODIs. In T20Is, he has been expensive, conceding runs at an economy rate of 10.18 while taking five wickets in three matches.
India’s tour of Australia in 2025 will begin on October 19 with the first ODI at Perth Cricket Stadium. The series will feature three ODIs and five T20Is, concluding on November 8.
