Harshit Rana for Player of the Match! Kris Srikkanth brutally mocks pacer for terrible bowling in Adelaide ODI

Former Team India opener Kris Srikkanth made a huge statement about young pacer Harshit Rana’s performance in the second ODI against Australia at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday, October 24. The cricketer-turned-commentator said that Rana could have been named Player of the Match if India had won.

India, led by Shubman Gill, retained Harshit Rana in the playing XI for the second ODI against Australia, while left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav remained on the bench. The decision to keep Rana drew criticism and sparked debate among fans on social media.

Rana was selected for both matches in the series so far, as India prioritized batting depth. The youngster had struggled in the series opener in Perth, finishing with figures of 0-27 in four overs during the rain-affected game.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

Harshit Rana Bowled Very Well in His First Spell - Kris Srikkanth

Kris Srikkanth, who had previously questioned Harshit Rana’s selection, was impressed with the young pacer’s initial spell in the second ODI. Srikkanth stated that Rana took two key wickets and scored a crucial 24 runs. However, he criticized Rana for his performance in the second spell.

"He bowled very well in his first spell and picked up two good wickets. I thought India had won the match. In fact, when he picked up the second wicket, I thought he had a good chance to be the Player of the Match with a crucial 24 and two wickets. But exactly then, he bowled short ball after short ball and got smashed," Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.

Australians Love Short-Pitched Bowling - Kris Srikkanth

Kris Srikkanth criticized Harshit Rana’s second spell in the second ODI, stating that the Australians capitalized on short-pitched deliveries. He added that Rana bowled effectively over the wicket but struggled when switching to around the wicket.

"Bowling short at that pace is no use. Australians love short-pitched bowling and we fed them repeatedly. Harshit Rana bowls well when he comes over the wicket but gets smashed when he goes round the wicket," he continued.

"He took the first wicket out of the confidence he got with his knock. I thought after getting a second wicket, he got his confidence back. But after that he and the rest of the bowlers fed Mitchell Owen and Cooper Connolly. He bowled a terrible second spell. First spell he bowled very well."

Harshit Rana’s All-Round Performance in Second ODI vs Australia

Harshit scored a quick 24 off 18 balls, including three boundaries. He and Arshdeep Singh (13 off 14 balls) added a 37-run partnership for the ninth wicket as India posted 264/9 in 50 overs.

With the ball, Rana claimed important scalps, including Travis Head and Matthew Short, but finished with figures of 2-59 from eight overs. However, Australia chased down the target with two wickets in hand, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

Rana, along with India’s other seamers, battled cramps throughout the match, raising concerns about their fitness with just one day’s rest before the series decider. The third and final ODI between India and Australia will take place at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday, October 25.

Also read: "Poora India trophy ke peeche…" - Mohsin Naqvi hits disgusting low as trophy-stealing act glorified