Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has come out in defense of young pacer Harshit Rana, who has been facing criticism over his selection in India’s ODI and T20I squads for the upcoming Australia tour starting October 19.
Many fans and former cricketers have expressed doubts about Harshit’s inclusion, but Ashwin countered their remarks, asking whether those same critics would praise the youngster if he performed well. The 23-year-old pacer made his international debut late last year but has already represented India in multiple formats.
He was also part of India’s 2025 Champions Trophy-winning squad, where he picked up four wickets in two matches. Ashwin, speaking on his YouTube channel, expressed frustration over how criticism in Indian cricket is often directed towards lesser-known players.
Ashwin said :
“In Indian cricket, the positives are mostly spoken only about Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma or an MS Dhoni. But the criticisms are usually directed towards those who aren’t big names. Like everyone is slamming Harshit Rana now. My question is will the same people who bash him now keep him on a high pedestal when he performs well? No, it won’t happen.”
Ashwin Highlights Support From Gautam Gambhir
Ashwin also praised Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir for backing Harshit Rana during a recent Test series against the West Indies. Gambhir reportedly took a strong stand against criticism from former players, including ex-captain Kris Srikkanth, who questioned Harshit’s repeated selection. Ashwin pointed out that Gambhir’s approach reflects his strong leadership qualities and his commitment to supporting players under his guidance.
He added :
“Gambhir defending Harshit Rana as a coach was absolutely right. Gambhir is renowned for this. You can ask anyone in the KKR dressing room, they’ll always say, ‘Gambhir will be up for the fight’. He’ll ask the players to freely do anything on the field by saying I’ll stand by your side. He’s that kind of a person,”
Harshit Rana’s Rise And KKR Connection
Harshit Rana shares a strong bond with Gambhir, dating back to their time together in the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) setup during IPL 2024. Under Gambhir’s mentorship, Harshit emerged as one of the standout bowlers of the tournament, claiming 19 wickets in 13 matches and playing a key role in helping KKR secure their third IPL title.
His performances in the IPL and for India have shown promise, suggesting he could be a vital asset for the national side in the years to come. Ashwin’s remarks reflect a broader call for patience and fairness when evaluating young talents like Harshit Rana, who continue to develop under immense scrutiny and expectation.
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