‘What message are you giving?’ BCCI slammed over Harshit Rana’s selection in Asia Cup 2025 squad
Former India batter Kris Srikkanth pointed finger on the selection of pacer Harshit Rana for the Asia Cup 2025, highlighting his below-par performance with the ball in IPL 2025.
He argued that Harshit’s inclusion was undeserved, particularly at the cost of Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, who won the Purple Cap in IPL 2025. However, India captain Suryakumar Yadav, during the squad announcement press conference, supported the decision, stating that Harshit has impressed in his recent outings for India.
“I think he is doing really well in the IPL and in the game which he has played for India. I remember that concussion replacement game in Pune. I also remeber he got a Man of the Match in the last T20I he played for India. So, we back his skill. We know he has got that skill to deliver for India in this format,” Suryakumar said.
Kris Srikkanth expressed his disappointment over Harshit Rana’s inclusion in the squad
However, Srikkanth expressed his disappointment over the selectors’ decision to include Harshit.
“Where did Harshit Rana come from? He was so poor in the IPL. He is being managed. He had an economy rate of 10 in the IPL. What message are you giving to Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj? Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel ‘Cheeky Cheeka’.
Srikkanth also reflected on the team’s balance, stating that a player like Washington Sundar should have been included in place of Shivam Dube.
“They will make Tilak Varma the sixth bowler. Is Abhishek Sharma going to be your sixth bowler or Shivam Dube? He hardly bowled in the IPL. This is an adjustment selection. If you needed someone who can bat and bowl at No. 8, Washington Sundar would have been ideal. Shivam Dube at No. 8 does not make any sense,” he added.
India squad for Asia Cup 2025
Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Shubman Gill (vice-captain), Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah.