Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra questioned Harshit Rana’s selection in India’s squad for the Asia Cup. Chopra highlighted that Rana had an extremely ordinary season for the Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025.
Rana scalped 15 wickets in 13 matches at an average of 29.86 and an economy rate of 10.18 in the last edition of the lucrative tournament.
The lanky fast bowler has scalped 10 wickets in six matches of the ongoing Delhi Premier League while leading North Delhi Strikers.
“Harshit Rana’s case is very interesting. His case needs to be discussed because he came as a concussion replacement for Shivam Dube once, picked up three wickets as well, and became the Player of the Match, which was brilliant, but what about before and after that?” Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.
“The last IPL was extremely ordinary. His performances have not been very good. His numbers are not flattering. It doesn’t seem like his numbers are strong enough to deserve a place in the side,” he added.
The renowned commentator said Harshit might only be included in the team’s playing XI if Jasprit Bumrah is given a break.
“The truth is also that he won’t get to play all matches. In fact, he might get to play even one match when Bumrah isn’t available. If he isn’t getting a chance to play, you say that whoever is sitting out doesn’t make a difference,” he said.
The former Delhi cricketer feels either Prasidh Krishna or Mohammed Siraj could have been considered ahead of Harshit Rana. Krishna was the leading wicket-taker in IPL 2025 with 25 scalps whereas Siraj bagged 16 wickets in 15 games.
“However, if you see the recent record, you will find that Prasidh Krishna should have got a chance, or you could have thought about rewarding Mohammed Siraj, but the team has once again gone towards Harshit,” Chopra observed.
India will open their Asia Cup campaign against the UAE on September 10.
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