The India vs Australia ODI series 2025 is set to take place from 19-25 October, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the India squad. Meanwhile, former Indian cricketer and selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth has come forward with his stand over the selection of young pacer Harshit Rana in India’s ODI squad for the upcoming Australia tour. "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."- Speaking on his YouTube channel Cheeky Cheeka, Srikkanth said Rana’s selection might be because of head coach Gautam Gambhir's favorite.
What Srikkanth Said?
The squad for ODI and T20 was announced on October 4. By then, Srikkanth had come forward with criticism over the selection of fast bowler Harshit Rana. He comments on Rana’s selection, saying it was influenced by Gautam Gambhir's favoritism. Harsha has given credit to Gambhir for mentoring him in some interviews.
“By making such selections constantly, they are confusing the players themselves. Even we aren’t sure everyday 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 there in the team. By chopping and changing all the time, they’ll dent the confidence of the players” Srikkanth has stated.
He also interrogated about the Rana’s permanence in the squad and the consequences of upcoming tournaments. "You don't pick some players even if they do well and take others even if they don't. Best is to be like Harshit Rana and be a constant yes-man to Gambhir to be selected. 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. This is not a good attitude; it's just showboating. He drives after the ball is already last 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.” Srikkanth referred to his behaviour on the field.
Harshit Rana: Recent Performance
Harshit Rana’s debut in ODIs was against England on February 6, 2025.. His ODI record contains 10 wickets at an average of about 20.70 and an economy of around 5.69. In domestic cricket, he had remarkable spells. He is a player for the IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders, where he has been under Gautam Gambhir’s guidance. In recent performance, especially in the Asia Cup 2025, he took only 2 wickets for 79 runs in two matches. In IPL 2024, he claimed 19 wickets and it boosted his image. The selection committee is focusing on giving chances to young players. He is considered a replacement for Jasprit Bumrah, which will help him gain experience for the upcoming 2027 ODI World Cup.