India couldn’t cross the par score at the Adelaide Oval during the second ODI of the two-match series against Australia. For them to win the fixture and keep the series alive, it was important to earn a victory during the second encounter. To defend their 264 runs in the first innings, the tourists needed to take wickets up front with the new ball, and Travis Head was one of the most important ones.

Head didn’t contribute much in the previous game at the Optus Stadium in Perth when he holed out to the planning of the Indian side, where they kept the square leg fielder and pushed the southpaw to hook against the left-arm pace of Arshdeep Singh.

See Also: Check latest updated WTC 2025-27 points table after South Africa’s eight-wicket victory vs Pakistan in Rawalpindi

In Adelaide, Head had a very good record across formats. But Harshit Rana showed his magic by sending back the batter for 28 runs. The southpaw looked to close the face of the bat against the length delivery and ended up getting a massive leading edge. The ball went high, and Virat Kohli came at mid-off and called for it.

Watch: Harshit Rana dismisses Travis' head for 28 during AUS vs IND Adelaide ODI

Kohli was calm and comfortable under the ball, judging the pace and rotation of the ball as Rana opened his account. It was a very good start for him with the ball after smashing a fine knock of 24 runs in 18 balls with the help of three boundaries to shoulder the Indian side over the 250-run mark.

You cannot keep this man out of the game! 😎#HarshitRana outfoxes Travis Head who gives a simple catch to #ViratKohli. 👏#AUSvIND 👉 2nd ODI | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/dfQTtniylt pic.twitter.com/Hrfh9iRlhS

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 23, 2025

Earlier in the day, India’s top order failed to lay down the platform with the bat before the century stand between the two half-centurions, Shreyas Iyer and Rohit Sharma, pushed them to a decent score while Axar Patel claimed a fine knock of 44 runs in 41 balls. Adam Zampa and Xavier Bartlett shared nine wickets between them.

Before Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh looked to smash Arshdeep over the mid-on region for a six and ended up getting an outside edge into the blade. The left-arm pacer picked up one wicket for 22 runs in six overs, while Rana has the current figures of 1/21 in four overs.

Krishnamachari Srikkanth has dismissed Ravichandran Ashwin’s criticism of his remark about Harshit Rana regularly being picked in India squads. In a clip on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth’s son Anirudh said Ashwin’s comments were a bit unfair and hypocritical.

Srikkanth had said that Rana is always a yes-man to India head coach Gautam Gambhir and is the only permanent member of the squad. Gambhir did not take any names but called the criticism “shameful.” Ashwin also defended Rana. Like Gambhir, he avoided naming anyone and said personal attacks could hurt a player’s confidence.

Also Read -Pakistan Coach Likely to Urge PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi to Remove Mohammad Rizwan as ODI Captain: Report

Anirudh Responds to Ashwin

“I just want to ask, ‘Ashwin, why bro? What did we do to you?’” Anirudh said. “It seemed a bit unfair. A couple of years ago, when you (Ashwin) mocked the entire RCB bowling attack, we laughed along. Didn’t you know they have a family too?”

“It just seems a bit hypocritical. Anyway, you and I will not dwell on that. Everybody has their opinion. That is the beauty of it. To the viewers, on this channel, you will get a strong and biased opinion. No changes there,” he added.

Though Cheeka is biased ,any day Cheeka >>>>Ashwin.Pdogg now will be planning to attack Anirudha in the next video with Ashwin . pic.twitter.com/TtCb3AjeIg

— Sakthi (@SakthiJ0801) October 18, 2025

Srikkanth’s Fearless Style

Anirudh said Srikkanth has always spoken his mind without fear, reminding Ashwin how the 1983 World Cup winner smoked a cigarette at the famous Lord’s balcony.

“Chika (Srikkanth) has been like that since 1983. He hasn’t been scared of anyone. I’m not expecting Chika to change. Sometimes it is borderline cringe, I know. But we try to keep father-son banter normal as possible. Thanks to all the viewers for the support,” Anirudh added.

After a great run in T20Is and Tests, Team India will try to keep their good form in ODIs when they face Australia in a three-match series down under. The first ODI will be played in Perth on Sunday, October 19.

This is the first ODI series between the two teams since the 2023 World Cup, and both sides are looking ahead to the 2027 World Cup. Most of the talk before the series is about the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to the Indian team.

However, there is not much debate about India’s batting order. The main question is about the fast bowlers. India have to choose between Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, and Prasidh Krishna. Since the first ODI is in Perth, India will likely play three pacers. Siraj and Arshdeep are almost sure to be picked, which leaves one spot between Harshit and Prasidh.

Here, we look at the key points that could help India decide who to pick between Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna for the first ODI against Australia.

Also Read -[WATCH]: Rohit Sharma’s First Chat with Gautam Gambhir After Captaincy Snub Breaks the Internet

1. Current Form

There is little difference between Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna in their current ODI form. Harshit made his India debut this year and was part of the 2025 Champions Trophy-winning team. Harshit has 10 wickets in five ODIs at an average of 20.70 and an economy of 5.69. Prasidh last played an ODI in the India-Australia series in 2023. However, Prasidh impressed in his last Test in England, taking eight wickets in two innings. He also has 29 wickets in 17 ODIs at an average of 25.58. Harshit played two 50-over games against Australia A for India A, taking three wickets at an average under 26. Prasidh had a better IPL 2025, with 25 wickets at an economy of 8.27, while Harshit took 15 wickets at over 10 economy.

Edge: Tie

2. Selection by Hierarchy

Close calls often depend on the pecking order. Harshit has played in the recent ODI Champions Trophy, taking four wickets in two matches at an average of 15.25 and an economy under four. Prasidh has not played an ODI in over two years. Both have limited Test experience in Australia, but Harshit has played one Test in Perth, which could help him adapt better.

Edge: Harshit Rana

3. Better Fit

India may play all three all-rounders, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar, at Nos. 6–8. This leaves three spots for specialist bowlers. If Kuldeep Yadav is included as a spinner, either Harshit or Prasidh may miss out. Neither is a specialist with the new ball, but Prasidh is a better death bowler. However, Harshit is a better lower-order hitter. His first-class batting average is 31.18, compared to Prasidh’s 8.91. This makes him a better fit if India plays Kuldeep and three pacers.

Edge: Harshit Rana

Conclusion

Harshit Rana’s recent selections in the ODI squad favor him over Prasidh Krishna. While Prasidh is in good form and offers versatility, Harshit’s batting ability allows India more team combinations in Perth.

Verdict: Team India should pick Harshit Rana over Prasidh Krishna for the first ODI against Australia.

The India head coach, Gautam Gambhir, came into the post-match press conference after the second Test of the two-match series against the West Indies, which they sealed by 2-0 after the seven-wicket victory at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. He slammed the trolls, the young pacer of the Blue Brigade, Harshit Rana, faced for his consistent selection to the national side.

Rana made his international debut last year during the opening Perth Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 before playing ODIs and T20Is in early 2025. He was also part of the Asia Cup 2025 and will be part of the white-ball series against Australia down under. However, he hasn’t been a consistent member of the eleven.

See Also: [WATCH] KL Rahul celebrates 20th Test 50 to seal 2-0 victory in IND vs WI 2nd Test

“It's shameful that someone wanting to run his YouTube channel is targeting a 23-year-old. If you want to target me, do it. I can handle it, but trolling a 23-year-old kid for YouTube views is shameful. Criticize me, I can handle it; he is just 23. It is not just him; it is about every young player.” Gambhir expressed during the post-match press conference in Delhi.

Gautam Gambhir slams trolls of Harshit Rana for ODI selection in Australia series

Rana has picked up 19 wickets in 11 innings across international cricket at an average of around 30, with the best of 3/31 during a 50-over encounter. The right-arm pacer also featured in the unofficial ODI game against the Australia A side, where he ended with figures of 3/61. Gambhir claimed that it’s a responsibility for others to look after the young players.

“Stop targeting them. I know it is important to perform, but you just can’t go after these kids. It is everyone’s moral responsibility to keep a check on this, you (media) and us.” Gambhir addressed the press conference.

Kris Srikkanth, the former opening batter of the Indian side, blasted the selection of the Delhi pacer for the national side. “Harshit Rana is a permanent because he is Gautam Gambhir's favourite. He is always a certainty and the first name on the team sheet after Shubman Gill.”

Along with India's Test team players, Harshit Rana also arrived at Gautam Gambhir's residence for the dinner party. Rana reached Gambhir's house separately in a BMW car, which caught cricket fans' attention. The video of Rana's arrival at Gambhir's home is now viral content on social media platforms. 

Ahead of the 2nd Test match with the West Indies (IND vs WI 2nd Test), Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir arranged a dinner party. Cricketers who are part of the ongoing Test series versus the West Indies arrived in a bus. Rana was not there on the bus. He came separately. 

It is important to remember that the pacer is not a part of the Test team but will fly to Australia soon for the 8-match (3 ODIs followed by 5 T20Is) white ball series. And like Gambhir, Harshit Rana is also a local resident of Delhi. So, it is sensible why he went to the dinner party separately. Though, some cricket fans on social media need very few reasons to spread rumors.

Read More: [WATCH] 'Abhishek won't survive...'- Pakistan pacer issues direct threat to Abhishek Sharma After Asia Cup 2025

Harshit Rana arrives at Gautam Gambhir's house in a separate car

Harshit Rana arrived separately in a special car at coach Gautam Gambhir’s house for the team dinner.👌🏼 pic.twitter.com/ucse2nQL1a

— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) October 8, 2025

Team India started off the two-match Test series against the West Indies with an easy win. At the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the home team won the match by outclassing the opposition team in all departments. As of now, India is leading the series by 1-0. Shubman Gill and his boys are favorites to win the second match and the series as well. But the West Indies should try to make a comeback and conclude the series 1-1. 

A couple of days before the 2nd and tournament decider game, team India already started their training. Captain Shubman Gill and other players were at the Arun Jaitley Stadium for preparations. During the training sessions, they looked sharp and confident, as per various claims on social media. 

A surprising reaction from Harshit Rana when a fan approached him for a photo. From the video it was not clear where the incident had actually happened. But it was clear, cricket fans on the social media platforms did not take his reaction positively. Some of them have started to troll him for the reaction towards a fan. 

According to the video, the incident happened outside of the airport. When Rana was going with his trolley load of luggage, a fan rushed to him for a photo. There was no security personnel with the Team India cricketer, so the fan came straight to Harshit and tried to grab his left hand, which perhaps annoyed him very much. 

Out of displeasure he quickly freed his arm and said to the fan, "Areey Areey, Mai Girlfriend Hu Kya Apka? (Hey, hey, I'm your girlfriend.)" A part of netizens has started to troll Harshit for his sudden reaction. 

Read More: 'Thanks to Rohit Bhai...'- Varun Chakravarthy reveals how Rohit Sharma helped him to induct in Champions Trophy Squad

Harshit Rana's reaction goes viral

Harshit Rana will be the next feature for India during the white ball tour of Australia. The team management named the pacer for both the ODI and T20I series. India will play 3 ODIs and 5 T20Is against Australia. The inclusion of the pacer also sparked controversy among the cricket fans. 

Watch the video here

pic.twitter.com/6uQGiUKO8m

— Out Of Context Cricket (@GemsOfCricket) October 8, 2025

So far, in 5 ODI matches for India, the Kolkata Knight Riders pacer has taken 10 wickets at an economy rate of 5.69. And in T20Is, the right-handed bowler claimed 5 wickets in 3 matches at an economy rate of 10.18. 

India vs Australia 2025-26 Full Schedule:

ODIs:

1st ODI - October 19 (Perth Stadium)

2nd ODI - October 23 (Adelaide Oval)

3rd ODI - October 25 (SCG)

T20Is

1st T20I - October 29 (Manuka Oval)

2nd T20I - October 31 (MCG)

3rd T20I - November 2 (Bellerive Oval)

4th T20I - November 6 (Gold Coast Stadium)

5th T20I - November 8 (The Gabba)

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.

See Also: [WATCH] Samay Raina mocks Yuzvendra Chahal with Dhanashree Verma's cheating allegations as hilarious video goes viral

“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.

Indian players Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, and Jitesh Sharma playfully trolled Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed after India won the 2025 Asia Cup final by five wickets. Standing near the boundary ropes, the three mimicked Ahmed’s usual celebration, crossing their hands and shaking their heads as if saying ‘Get out’. Arshdeep shared the video on Instagram. Sanju Samson, who scored 20 runs in the final, was also in the frame but looked uninterested in the fun. 

India claimed their ninth Asia Cup title with a thrilling five-wicket win over Pakistan, thanks to Tilak Varma’s match-winning 69* off 53 balls. Chasing 147, India struggled early, falling to 20/3 after Shaheen Shah Afridi and Faheem Ashraf dismissed Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Shubman Gill cheaply with clever slower balls.

Tilak Varma stabilized the innings with two important stands: a partnership of 57 runs with Sanju Samson and a 60-run partnership with Shivam Dube (33 off 21 balls). Varma’s measured but aggressive innings kept India well placed. The game turned in the 15th over when Haris Rauf conceded 17 runs to Tilak. Tilak created increasing pressure on Pakistan, plugging the field with his driving and pulling.

India won by 5 wickets in Asia Cup 2025 Final

Rauf gave away 50 runs in 3.4 overs, including the six Tilak hit into the mid-wicket stands in the final over. Rinku Singh then hit the winning boundary to seal India’s tense chase. Earlier, Pakistan started strongly with Fakhar Zaman (46) and Sahibzada Farhan (57), putting together 113/1.

Watch the video here

INDIAN PLAYERS DOING ABRAR CELEBRATION...!!! 😂🔥pic.twitter.com/3trZCTzGmr

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 28, 2025

See Also: [Watch] Tilak Varma smashes Haris Rauf for stunning six under pressure in final over of IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2025

Earlier, Kuldeep Yadav (4/30) set off a collapse as he took nine wickets for only 33 runs for Pakistan. Axar Patel (2/26) and Varun Chakravarthy (2/30) were good support acts while Jasprit Bumrah took 2 late wickets including Haris Rauf in a cheeky half plane-crash toss of a gesture of dismissal. The match was a great team win for India with players displaying resilience and Tilak Varma’s outstanding contribution under pressure.

Harshit Rana finished the first innings of India vs Oman Asia Cup 2025 in style. He smashed a massive six over the extra cover region in the very last ball of the innings. That six pushed Team India's total to 188 in 20 overs for the exchange of 8 wickets. 

Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, and then a cameo from Axar Patel set the tone for their team to register a strong total against Oman, the team that already crashed out of the tournament. That six from Rana was like a cherry on top of a cake. The best possible way to conclude the innings in style. 

Rana, known mostly as a pace bowler, showed glimpses of his muscle power during the past few T20 matches. India's T20I captain, Surya Kumar Yadav, did not come to bat against Oman; Harshit got a promotion against the lower-ranked opponent to bat. Shah Faisal was the Oman bowler who took the wickets of Shubman Gill and Sanju Samson and went to bowl the final over. 

Read More: [WATCH] IND vs OMA, Asia Cup 2025: Axar Patel clears his front leg and hoisted Oman spinner for a massive 6

A six to finish the first innings 

On the last ball of the innings, the pacer delivered a back-of-a-length ball that angled across the batter. Right-handed Harshit Rana positioned himself well and opened his arm to take the ball high in the air. The backhand of the batter generated enough power as well to clear the rope. The Oman fielders had no choice but to watch the ball flying over the extra cover cordon. 

During the toss, Yadav informed Harshit Rana to get back in the line-up in place of World No. 1 T20I bowler Varun Chakravarthy, who has rested ahead of the games of Super 4s. Rana scored an unbeaten 13 off 8 with an over boundary in Abu Dhabi.

Watch the 6 here

Harshit Rana closes the innings with a 6 🔥

Watch #INDvOMAN LIVE now on the Sony Sports Network TV channels & Sony LIV. #SonySportsNetwork #DPWorldAsiaCup2025 pic.twitter.com/Q6By862UFm

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 19, 2025

Indian bowlers are in song. Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana strike early in the morning. East Zone is in their first innings of the ongoing Duleep Trophy 2025 match against North Zone and is already down by two wickets. 

The surface at the BCCI COE Ground 1, Bengaluru, has some green on it, which provides some extra edge for the pacers with the new ball. Utilizing the conditions well, the pacers of the North Zone delivered quickly. Singh, in the fifth over of the innings, helped his team to get rid of Sharandeep Singh. During the tenth over, Rana got the second wicket in the form of Sridam Paul. 

Sharandeep, one of the openers of East Zone, departed for only 6 runs, and Paul, the number three batter, went for only 7. East Zone lost their two top-order batters in 32 runs. The early strikes from Arshdeep and Harshit are crucial for Indian cricket, as both the pacers are in the Asia Cup 2025 squad, which is scheduled to start on September 9. 

Read More: List of top-end cars owned by Sanju Samson ft. Range Rover Sport

North Zone leading the race

Batting first, North Zone registered 405 runs in their first innings. Kanhaiya Wadhawan, with a 76-run innings, emerged as the top scorer for the team. Ayush Badoni got 63 runs; he was the second-highest run getter in the first innings for North Zone. 

Rather than the batting performances, it was Manishi who was unveiled as a surprise element in the match. The lesser-known spinner from Jharkhand claimed 6 wickets in his 22.2-over spell. The pace bowling department with Mohammed Shami and Mukesh Kumar was disappointing, as Kumar went wicketless and Shami struck on only one occasion. On the other side, for the North Zone, their fast bowlers provided early wickets to keep the team in the driving seat. As of now, Easy Zone is at 32 after losing a couple of wickets.