India’s white-ball series against Australia begins on October 19, but it is already mired in controversies, with former Indian cricketers questioning the selection of pacer Harshit Rana in the squad.
The series will begin in Perth on October 19, before moving to Adelaide (October 23) and Sydney (October 25). It will be followed by a five-match T20 International series starting on October 29.
While all eyes are on the return of veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill’s captaincy, Rana’s inclusion over experienced pacer Mohammed Shami has surprised many. Indian World Cup winners K. Srikkanth and Ravichandran Ashwin had come down heavily on his selection, with the former calling the pacer head coach Gautam Gambhir’s “yes man”.
Gambhir, without taking names, responded saying that Rana is playing for the national team on "merit". “It's extremely shameful. If you are criticising 23-year-olds to run your YouTube channel, that is unfair. Target people on their performance, and selectors are there for that job. If you say horrible things about a 23-year-old on social media, what does that do to his mindset,” he said at a press conference.
How has Harshit Rana performed in the ODIs in 2025?
Rana debuted in ODIs in February this year, and has played five matches so far. He has taken 10 wickets at an average of 20.70 and an economy of 5.70.
He took 3/53 in his debut match against England on February 6. He played all three matches against them, and finished with six wickets.
Rana also played two matches in India’s victorious campaign at the ICC Champions Trophy, taking 3/31 and 1/30 against Bangladesh and Pakistan respectively.
He also had fairly good outing in the IPL 2025, taking 15 wickets in 13 matches at a bowling average of 29.87.
Comparison between Harshit Rana and Mohammed Shami in ODIs in 2025
In contrast, Shami played seven ODIs in 2025 – two in England and five in the Champions Trophy. He was the joint-highest wicket-taker for India (along with Varun Chakaravarthy), with nine wickets, including a 5/53 against Bangladesh, at an average of 25.88. He played a crucial role in India’s win in the semifinal against Australia, picking up 3/48.
After his omission from the white-ball series squad against Australia, Shami, who battled recurring ankle and knee injuries that required surgery after the 2023 World Cup, took a dig at the selectors, saying that that his availability for Bengal in Ranji Trophy proves he is fit and it is not his job to update the selection committee on it.
Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar, after the announcing the squad for Australia, had said that he did not have any update on Shami's fitness.
The 35-year-old has represented India in 64 Tests, 108 ODIs and 25 T20Is.
