Despite this, Srikkanth remained vocal in his displeasure with the selectors’ decision to select the right-arm pacer, taking a direct shot at the BCCI and current chief selector Ajit Agarkar.
Kris Srikkanth, a former Indian cricketer and chief selector, has criticised the selection of bowler Harshit Rana in India’s squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, citing his lacklustre performances in the IPL. Srikkanth felt that Harshit did not deserve a berth in the squad, especially since Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna shone in the IPL, with the latter also winning the Purple Cap.
Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav justified the decision, claiming that Harshit has performed admirably in his recent appearances 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 remember 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 had said in the press conference at the time of squad announcement.
“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 questioned on his YouTube channel ‘Cheeky Cheeka’.
Washington would be ideal, not Dube: Srikkanth
Srikkanth also expressed concerns about the team balance, suggesting that Washington Sundar should have been included instead of Shivam Dube, who scored 357 runs in 14 innings for CSK in IPL 2025. Washington was recently seen in action during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, where he made valuable contributions across all departments.
“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,” Srikkanth added.
The 1983 World Cup-winner has been quite vocal about his selection strategies since he gave up the position he once himself held. The Madras-born (now Chennai) and many others have had the same concern, with a few on social media claiming that Rana’s place is more secure than even the captain or vice-captain of the Indian team at the moment.
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