When Harshit Rana, the 23‑year‑old pacer, was handed the ball at Optus Stadium in Perth on 19 October 2025, the world of Indian cricket seemed split in two. Veteran commentator Aakash Chopra had just gone on record urging the board to give the youngster a place in the XI, while a chorus of former players and angry fans were already chanting his name alongside the dreaded word ‘ban’.
Why Chopra’s Call Mattered
Chopra, who runs a popular YouTube analysis channel, said in an interview with the Indian Express that the decision to pick Harshit Rana was no accident. ‘I will go with Mohammed Siraj. People have forgotten that he wasn’t part of the Champions Trophy and Asia Cup squads. Siraj deserves his spot, so he will be there. I want to play Harshit Rana. It was a toss‑up between Prasidh Krishna and him,’ he said.
That endorsement carried weight because it coincided with Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir defending the same player. Gambhir, who mentored Rana during the 2024 IPL season with the Kolkata Knight Riders, slammed former cricketers who used their YouTube platforms to “amp up their views” at the expense of a fledgling bowler.
The Perth Debacle
The opening ODI was a rain‑interrupted drama. India were bowled in first, posting a modest 136/9 in a truncated 26‑over chase set by the Duckworth‑Lewis‑Stern method. Australia, chasing 131, reached the target with seven wickets in hand and 29 balls to spare.
Rana’s spell was the most discussed part of the match. In the 11th over, Australian batsman Josh Philippe sliced a delivery over third‑man for a six, a moment replayed on Willow TV as ‘10.3: Harshit Rana to Josh Philippe – 6 runs’. The young pacer’s visible frustration spilled over; a few heated words were exchanged before the umpire intervened. Social media erupted, with hashtags like #BanRana trending briefly.
Former selector Kris Srikkanth even resurfaced an old jab from the 2011 World Cup era, calling the youngster a “constant yes‑man”. The criticism felt personal, and many fans echoed the sentiment, demanding the bowler be dropped.
Redemption at Adelaide Oval
Four days later, on 23 October 2025, the scene shifted to Adelaide Oval. India needed a win to keep the series alive, and they found an unlikely hero at number nine. When the score read 223/7 in the 44th over, Harshit Rana walked to the crease.
He smashed 24 runs off just 18 balls, forging a 37‑run partnership with Arshdeep Singh. The boost pushed India to 264/9, a total that proved enough as Australia fell short by 12 runs. The highlight? In the final over of Australia’s chase, Rana took on spinner Adam Zampa, who had claimed four wickets earlier, and handed him 16 runs, sealing the victory.
Former India all‑rounder Irfan Pathan posted on X at 02:53 pm IST: “Crucial runs from Harshit Rana. Showed decent technique and good game sense.” With his overall ODI tally now at 11 wickets from seven matches, an average of 23.40 and an economy of 5.80, the numbers began to speak louder than the trolls.
Stakeholder Reactions
Chopra, watching the second match, tweeted: “From a six‑run over to a match‑winning cameo – that’s cricket for you. Give the lad some credit.” Gambhir, meanwhile, used the post‑match press conference to praise the team’s resilience, noting that “players like Harshit Rana thrive when given space, even if the first game didn’t go their way.”
Fans, however, remain divided. While many praised the comeback, some still question the decision to start Rana in the power‑play, especially with star pacers Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah absent due to injury.
What This Means for India’s Pace Stock
The series underscores a deeper issue: India’s pace reservoir is being stretched thin. With Shami and Bumrah sidelined, the selectors have been forced to gamble on younger arms. Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) now faces pressure to fast‑track talent like Rana, Prasidh Krishna, and the returning Mohammed Siraj.
Analysts point out that the lack of a consistent power‑play threat was evident in the 29‑run start – the third‑lowest since the 2023 World Cup. The Adelaide win, while comforting, highlighted that depth rather than star power will dictate India’s ODI fortunes this summer.
Looking Ahead
India finish the five‑match series with a third ODI still to play in Melbourne on 27 October 2025. If they can maintain the momentum built at Adelaide, Rana might cement his spot and perhaps earn a call‑up for the upcoming England tour in December.
For Chopra and Gambhir, the saga is a reminder that backing a player involves more than a single performance; it’s about nurturing confidence. The question now is whether the board will keep the faith or bow to the louder sections of the fanbase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Harshit Rana selected for the Perth ODI despite limited experience?
Coach Gautam Gambhir saw potential in Rana after his 2024 IPL stint with KKR, where he logged 15 wickets at 22.30. With senior pacers Shami and Bumrah injured, the BCCI needed a fresh pace option, and Aakash Chopra publicly backed the decision, emphasizing Rana’s swing at the new ball.
How did the crowd react to Rana’s performance in Perth?
Social media erupted with criticism, many calling for his removal. In‑stadium chants grew louder after the six off Philippe, and the hashtag #BanRana trended briefly, reflecting an impatient fanbase frustrated by the low total.
What changed in Rana’s game at Adelaide?
Rana shifted his role from bowler to lower‑order hitter, delivering a rapid 24‑run burst that added 37 runs with Arshdeep Singh. He also bowled a tight death over, conceding 16 runs off Adam Zampa, showing composure under pressure.
How does this series affect India’s chances in upcoming tournaments?
A win in the remaining ODIs will restore confidence ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy. It also gives the selectors data on bench strength, especially the fast‑bowling department, which is crucial for overseas conditions.
What have former players like Irfan Pathan said about Rana’s future?
Pathan praised Rana’s “decent technique and good game sense”, suggesting that with consistent performances, he could become a regular in the ODI squad and perhaps earn a Test cap.