Irfan Pathan reveals why Harshit Rana is considered ahead of Harshal Patel in India’s T20I team

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has revealed that Harshit Rana is ahead of Harshal Patel in India’s pecking order as the Delhi seamer has better Powerplay numbers. Rana is part of India’s Asia Cup squad whereas Patel was not picked.

Meanwhile, Patel was the purple cap holder in IPL 2024 as he scalped 24 wickets in 14 matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad at an average of 19.87 whereas Rana had bagged 19 wickets in 13 matches at an average of 20.15. Rana had played an instrumental role in taking KKR to glory in that season.

Furthermore, Patel scalped 16 wickets in 13 matches in IPL 2025 whereas Rana picked 15 wickets in 13 games in the tournament.

“Harshal Patel and Harshit Rana, if you compare, where he might have missed out, the numbers are very similar in the middle and the death overs in terms of economy. But when it comes to powerplay, Harshit Rana’s numbers are slightly better. If the situation arises that they want to play Harshit Rana with the new ball and partner with Bumrah, they might have that thought process and this is where he (Harshal) misses out,” Pathan said in a special interaction organized by Sony Sports Network.

Pathan reckons Rana is marginally ahead of Patel while bowling with the new ball. Rana recently scalped 12 wickets in nine matches of Delhi Premier League.

“It is very unfortunate for Harshal Patel because he is a guy who has performed consistently in the IPL. But to miss out, there is always going to be someone who will miss out. There is always going to be a criteria when it comes to selection and I am sure this selection between these two guys must have played the new ball bowling ability. And that is also marginal,” he added.

Rana will be seen in action in the upcoming Asia Cup.