Asia Cup 2025: 'Harshit Rana is being managed...': Ex-BCCI selector accuses Gautam Gambhir of favoritism

Former Indian chief selector Kris Srikkanth has ignited fresh controversy over India’s squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. Srikkanth has openly questioned the inclusion of Harshit Rana in the squad, despite his underwhelming performances in IPL 2025, ahead of the seasoned fast bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna.

Harshit Rana played 13 matches in the IPL 2025 but struggled to make an impact, finishing with 15 wickets at an average of 29.86 and a high economy rate of 10.18. He also played only one T20I for India, having made his debut earlier this year as a concussion substitute, taking 3 wickets.

Kris Srikkanth sparks a favoritism debate in Team India

The 1983 World Cup winner felt Rana’s selection for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 seems more managed than merit-based. In stark contrast, Mohammed Siraj was in red-hot form. He excelled in the IPL 2025 with the Gujarat Titans, claiming 16 wickets at an average of 32.93 and an economy of 9.24.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

Read Also: Asia Cup 2025 India vs Pakistan- 3 Player Battles To Watch Out For

He was also the leading wicket-taker in the recent Test series in England. On the other hand, Prasidh Krishna was even more impressive in the IPL 2025, bagging 25 wickets in 15 matches at an exceptional average of 19.52 at a tight economy of 8.27 despite the batting-friendly pitches.

Kris Srikkanth questions merit as Harshit Rana picked ahead of Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna for Asia Cup 2025

Considering the difference in their numbers, Srikkanth has expressed his shock over Harshit Rana’s inclusion in India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad, saying his selection was not truly earned. He questioned what message this sends to consistent performers like Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj, hinting that favoritism is growing under Gautam Gambhir’s leadership.

Kris Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel ‘Cheeky Chaka’: “Where did Harshit Rana come from? He was so poor in the IPL. He is being managed. He had an economy rate of 10 in the IPL. What message are you giving to Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj?”

Read Also: BCCI orders Rohit Sharma to retire in Australia series; Gautam Gambhir unhappy with India captain

Kris Srikkanth slams Shivam Dube's selection over Washington Sundar

Meanwhile, Kris Srikkanth has also raised serious questions over the logic behind the inclusion of Shivam Dube, as the Chennai Super Kings all-rounder barely bowled in the IPL 2025. The former chief selector believes that if India needed a sixth bowler to balance the XI, Washington Sundar, currently among the standby players, would have been a far more sensible choice.

Srikkanth signed off by saying, “They will make Tilak Varma the sixth bowler. Is Abhishek Sharma going to be your sixth bowler or Shivam Dube? He hardly bowled in the IPL. This is an adjustment selection. If you needed someone who can bat and bowl at No. 8, Washington Sundar would have been ideal. Shivam Dube at No. 8 does not make any sense.”