AUS vs IND 2025: ' He deserves all the praise' - Kris Srikkanth does U-turn on Harshit Rana's selection after pacer bags four-for

Pacer Harshit Rana had a memorable outing at the Sydney Cricket Ground, picking up a four-wicket haul to guide India to a convincing nine-wicket win over Australia in the third ODI. Among those now singing

his praises was former India batter and chief selector Kris Srikkanth, who had earlier questioned Rana’s selection across formats. The youngster’s spell not only helped India avoid a series whitewash but also answered those who had doubted him.

Before the Sydney ODI, Rana had a tough series, managing only two wickets for 86 runs in the first two matches. His selectors raised questions, with Srikkanth criticizing the selectors and questioning why the youngster was included in the squad. Meanwhile, head coach Gautam Gambhir requested the critics not to target youngsters for their YouTube content.

Despite poor returns in the first two games, Gambhir backed Rana but reportedly gave him a strong message before the Sydney game, saying “Perform kar, warna bahar bitha dunga (Perform, or I’ll make you sit out).” Rana displayed a brilliant spell, claiming 4 for 39 and rattling Australia’s middle order. His performance helped India bowl out the hosts for 236. The former, who had questioned Rana’s position, made a U-turn after the pacer’s heroics.

“Harshit Rana bowled superbly. Taking four wickets in an ODI is a big achievement. My favorite was the wicket of Owen. It was a superb delivery, and Rohit took a great catch. He (Rana) bowled a terrific line and length. Last match, he got clobbered at the death, but this game, he bowled very well even at the death. He did not bowl short today and did not try too many slower ones," Srikkanth was quoted as saying on his YouTube channel.

He has got his confidence back: Kris Srikkanth

The 65-year-old accepted he had slammed the pacer earlier, but believes in praising him when it's due, and revealed that he has got back his confidence.

“So today, Harshit Rana deserves all the praise. I am very happy for you. Yes, I criticized you a lot, but at the end of the day, you have done very well. He has got his confidence back from the last match after scoring with the bat and from his first spell with the ball," he added.