"Nobody knows why..."- Former Indian selector slams Harshit Rana's selection in India's ODI squad against Australia

The former Indian chairman of the selection committee, Kris Srikkanth, has slammed the management’s decision to include the medium pacer, Harshit Rana, in their ODI squad for the trip to Australia, which starts two weeks later. The opening contest will take place on October 19 at the Optus Stadium in Perth.

Rana was also part of the Asia Cup 2025 squad and featured in one of the games when the management decided to rest Jasprit Bumrah for a couple of games. Srikkanth, along with Sanju Samson’s absence, also highlights Rana’s inclusion in the squad.

“By making such selections constantly, they are confusing the players themselves. We aren't sure every day what the selection will be. Suddenly, Yashasvi Jaiswal is there, and then the next minute, he won't be there. There is only one permanent member - Harshit Rana. Nobody knows why he is on the team. By chopping and changing all the time, they'll dent the confidence of the players.” Kris Srikkanth expressed in a video on his YouTube channel.

Kris Srikkanth criticizes Harshit Rana’s inclusion in India’s squad for Australia ODIs

Srikkanth expressed concerns about the selection process for the future events. Rana’s career began during the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-2 when he claimed four wickets in two games before playing the home series against England in ODIs and the following Champions Trophy 2025.

“You should start building towards the 2027 World Cup. But I feel they've not. If you pick Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy among the probabilities, then you can wave goodbye to the trophy. Harshit Rana does too many filmy gimmicks. All these filmy reactions aren't of any use, you've to actually bowl well. He does all these filmy reactions in the IPL as well.” The former Indian chief selectors remarked in the video.

“This is not a good attitude; it's just showboating. He drives after the ball is already past him. Why dive after the goal has already been scored? Aggression is different, but showboating so much at a young age is why he got punished today.” Kris Srikkanth concluded.