After Harshit Rana was named in both the ODI and T20I squads for the upcoming Australia tour, former cricketer Kris Srikkanth opined on his selection. Rana, who has been a favourite of coach Gautam Gambhir, seems to have made himself an important part of the squad.

Srikkanth said that Gambhir’s preference for Rana means that, apart from captain Shubman Gill, the fast bowler is likely to be the first name on the team sheet. Since making his ODI debut against England this year, Rana has stayed in the squad in Jasprit Bumrah’s absence. Bumrah has been rested for the ODI series against Australia.

“Harshit Rana is a permanent because he’s Gautam Gambhir’s favourite. He’s always a sure pick and the first name on the team sheet after Shubman Gill,” Srikkanth said.

Reacting to the rest of the selections, Srikkanth questioned Nitish Kumar Reddy’s place in the ODI lineup, claiming that Reddy doesn’t fit the role of a true all-rounder and could face challenges on Australian pitches.

“Where has Nitish Kumar Reddy come from? If you ask them, they’ll say he’s the replacement for Hardik Pandya. But in reality, the true replacement for Hardik is Ravindra Jadeja, not Reddy,” Srikkanth added..

“Reddy will struggle in Australia during the ODIs. If you’re picking him as an all-rounder, that’s not fair. He’s really just a batter who can bowl a little. He wasn’t in the Champions Trophy squad or the ODI plans.”