Harshit Rana’s India teammate accuses him of playing on the Gautam Gambhir quota

Former off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin opened up about the selection of pacer Harshit Rana ahead of India’s upcoming white-ball tour of Australia. Ashwin expressed surprise over the reason behind Rana’s inclusion, adding that he has played for a while based on that one delivery from the IPL 2024 final.

The 23-year-old has been named in India’s ODI and T20I squads for the white-ball tour of Australia. He made his Test debut during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Rana has played two Tests, five ODIs, and three T20Is. He was also part of India’s winning campaign during the Champions Trophy 2025.

Harshit Rana Has Played For a While Now For That One Delivery - Ravichandran Ashwin

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin questioned Harshit Rana’s selection in the Indian team. Ashwin noted that selectors might have picked Rana as a fast bowler who can bat at No. 8, but he is not sure about his batting ability.

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"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," Ashwin said.

"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," he added.

Some Asked Why Ravindra Jadeja Was Getting Picked - Ravichandran Ashwin

The former off-spinner questioned Rana's lower-order batting skills. Ashwin compared the situation to past criticisms faced by players like Ravindra Jadeja and himself, despite their proven skills.

"But 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," Ashwin continued.

"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."

He's Got Some X-Factor - Ravichandran Ashwin on Harshit Rana

Ravichandran Ashwin also acknowledged Harshit Rana's talent, adding that he has some X-factor. However, Ashwin stated that Rana’s selection for the upcoming tour is very questionable.

"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," said Ashwin (via the aforementioned source).

"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."

Harshit Rana had a standout IPL 2024 season, taking 19 wickets in 13 matches at an average of 20.15, helping Kolkata Knight Riders secure their third title.

The pacer was also part of India’s victorious Champions Trophy squad. He played two of five matches and took four wickets. Overall, Rana has featured in 10 games across formats for India, picking up 19 wickets. India will play three ODIs and five T20Is against Australia, starting on October 19.

Also read: Ajit Agarkar at risk of losing chief selector job after warning Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli