The former cricketer and commentator openly stated that Harshit Rana has not performed sufficiently to earn a spot in the squad.
Controversial Picks in India’s Asia Cup Squad
The announcement of India’s Asia Cup squad has sparked debate over the All India Selection Committee’s choices. The omission of key performers like Shreyas Iyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna has put Ajit Agarkar and his panel under the microscope, particularly given their impressive IPL 2025 campaigns.
Former India opener Aakash Chopra has questioned the inclusion of Harshit Rana, who had a modest IPL season, taking 25 wickets at an economy rate of 10.18 and possessing only one T20 international appearance. Chopra noted Rana’s match-winning performance as a concussion replacement against England but expressed concerns over his consistency before and after that game.
“Harshit Rana’s case is very interesting. He picked up three wickets as Player of the Match once, but what about his performances before and after that?” Chopra said. He added that Rana’s IPL numbers were ordinary and do not justify his selection in the squad. Chopra also mentioned that Harshit Rana is unlikely to feature regularly in the playing XI and may only play when Jasprit Bumrah is rested in the group stage.
This selection has reignited the debate over the committee’s approach, raising questions about merit, experience, and IPL performances in shaping India’s T20I squad.
“Prasidh Krishna should have got a chance”
Aakash Chopra expressed concerns over the Asia Cup squad selections, particularly highlighting the omission of Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj. He argued that Krishna, named only among the reserves, deserved a spot in the main 15, given his consistent performances. Similarly, Siraj’s stellar display during India’s England tour could have warranted a call-up, yet the selectors opted otherwise.
Chopra’s remarks underscore growing debates over the selection panel’s decisions, raising questions about whether recent IPL performances, international form, or other factors influenced the final squad.
