IPL 2025: Gautam Gambhir helping KKR? Aakash Chopra claims Harshit Rana won't play in Bangladesh T20Is

The highly anticipated debut of Harshit Rana in the ongoing three-match T20I series between India and Bangladesh has been dashed by the former Indian cricketer-turned-pundit Aakash Chopra.

Rana missed out on his debut in the first T20I against Bangladesh in Gwalior. As Mayank Yadav and Nitish Kumar Reddy were handed the debut caps during Team India's seven-wicket win over Bangladesh in the ongoing three-match T20I series opener, Rana’s wait for an international debut has only been extended by the national team management.

Kolkata guys, be happy; Harshit Rana won't play: Aakash Chopra on Harshit Rana

Rana has been a consistent part of the Indian squad for the recent T20I series against Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, and now Bangladesh, but is yet to receive his debut cap. However, he has chances to make a debut in the remaining two T20Is.

Reacting to the same, Chopra has expressed his disappointment in the youngster not getting his opportunity but also raised hopes for another uncapped player to step into the limelight ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction.

Meanwhile, the cricket expert made a shocking prediction about Rana, as he asked the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and its fans to brace themselves, as the Delhi pacer would remain an uncapped player before the announcement of the retentions for the upcoming IPL 2025. He suggested that the KKR could retain Rana easily if he remains an uncapped player.

Chopra further questioned the Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir’s decision to overlook Rana for his international debut, especially when they handed debut caps to Mayank and Reddy in the same game—the first T20I match against the Tigers in Gwalior.

Aakash Chopra raises eyebrows as Harshit Rana misses out on T20I debut against Bangladesh

However, the 22-year-old pacer could make his much-awaited debut in front of his home crowd when the Men in Blue take on Bangladesh in the second T20I on Wednesday, October 9, at the Arun Jaitley International Cricket Stadium in Delhi with an aim to clinch the home series.

Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel: “Kolkata guys, be happy; Harshit Rana won't play. He won't get his debut. So, keep your fingers crossed for one more game. If he doesn't get his debut, an uncapped player will be ready for you. Ideally, you think that if two players got their debuts, so should the third.

If you see from that viewpoint, Harshit Rana was ahead in the pecking order. He was part of the Indian squad against Zimbabwe and then Sri Lanka as well. So, if you are a part of the 15 for a slightly longer time, you hope that you will only be selected when the next chance comes.”

Mayank Yadav should get a chance in the second T20I: Aakash Chopra

However, the commentator was happy that Yadav got his opportunity and did well on his debut in Gwalior. He finished with impressive figures of 1/21 in his four overs, while Reddy conceded 17 runs in his two overs but made an unbeaten 16 runs off 15 balls on his debut. Aakash Chopra also feels Mayank should get a chance in the second T20I in Delhi.

Chopra signed off by saying, “However, Mayank Yadav broke the queue and played, and did well too. Even if he hadn't done well, I would have said, Why should you make him sit out after one match?”