The inclusion of pacer Harshit Rana in India’s roster for the forthcoming Asia Cup 2025 has drawn criticism from former Indian cricket player and top selector Kris Srikkanth, who cited Rana’s lacklustre IPL 2025 performances. At the cost of Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, who both performed admirably in the IPL and earned the Purple Cap, Srikkanth contended that Harshit Rana did not merit a place in the team.
In defence of the choice, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav said Harshit Rana had done well in his most recent appearances for the country.
In spite of this, Srikkanth continued to express his criticism of the selection of the right-arm pacer by the selectors, directly criticising Ajit Agarkar, the current chief selector and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
In my opinion, he is performing admirably in both the IPL and the game he has played for India. I recall that Pune concussion replacement game. Additionally, I recall that in his most recent Twenty20 International, he was named Man of the Match for India. Thus, we support his ability. At the press conference when the squad was announced, Suryakumar had stated, “We know he has that skill to deliver for India in this format.”
What was the origin of Harshit Rana? In the IPL, he was really bad. They’re managing him. In the IPL, his economy rate was 10. What message are you conveying to Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna? Srikkanth asked on his “Cheeky Cheeka” YouTube channel.
Not Dube, but Washington would be better: Srikkanth
Shivam Dube, who scored 357 runs in 14 innings for CSK in the 2025 Indian Premier League, should have been replaced by Washington Sundar, according to Srikkanth, who also voiced reservations over the team’s balance. Washington made significant contributions in every sector during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, which was recently witnessed in action.
“Tilak Varma will be the sixth bowler. Will Shivam Dube or Abhishek Sharma be your sixth bowler? In the IPL, he barely bowled. This is a choice for adjustment. Washington Sundar would have been the perfect choice if you required a bowler and batsman at number eight. It doesn’t make sense to have Shivam Dube at number eight,” Srikkanth continued.
Since leaving the position he once held, the 1983 World Cup winner has been very outspoken about his selection methods. Many others, including the Madras native (now residing in Chennai), have expressed similar worries, with some on social media asserting that Rana’s position is currently more safe than that of the Indian team’s captain or vice-captain.
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