Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin delivered a blunt evaluation of younger pacer Harshit Rana’s efficiency in India’s Tremendous 4 conflict towards Sri Lanka within the Asia Cup 2025. The encounter on the Dubai Worldwide Stadium on Friday turned out to be a high-scoring thriller earlier than being determined in a Tremendous Over, the place India ultimately registered an important victory. Nevertheless, the highlight additionally fell on the tempo division, particularly Rana, whose inexperience was uncovered beneath strain.
Ravichandran Ashwin slams Harshit Rana after Asia Cup 2025 Tremendous 4 battle
Harshit leaked as many as 54 runs from his four-over spell, managing just one wicket. In his first three overs, the 23-year-old regarded out of rhythm and failed to regulate to the batting-friendly floor as Pathum Nissanka dominated him with authority. Nissanka’s fluent stroke play punished errors in line and size, making Rana’s predictability extra obvious. His ultimate over supplied some redemption, the place he dismissed the harmful opener, however Ashwin remained unimpressed with what he noticed all through.
Talking on his YouTube channel Ash Ki Baat, the senior spinner didn’t mince phrases. He described Rana’s bowling decisions as “amateurish” and insisted the teen should study shortly at this degree. “Harshit Rana stored doing the identical sample, mixing one quick supply with one slower ball. Nissanka learn it simply and punished him. At this degree, such predictability will harm a bowler and the group’s possibilities. He ought to actually study from this,” Ashwin said.
The previous India stalwart additionally highlighted that whereas rusty match follow might have an effect on management, the repeated errors towards Sri Lanka had been obtrusive. He identified that India regained management in the course of the center overs and thru Arshdeep Singh’s clutch show within the Tremendous Over, however Rana’s exhibiting underlined considerations about India’s bench power within the tempo assault.
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India’s nerve-steadying comeback regardless of Rana’s spell
Regardless of Rana’s costly overs, the Tremendous 4 conflict produced probably the most intense finishes of the event. After Nissanka’s blistering century gave Sri Lanka a agency grip on the chase, India clawed again by way of disciplined middle-overs bowling. Rana’s ultimate over managed to ship Nissanka again at an important second, guaranteeing the sport didn’t slip away fully. That late effort stored India alive, pushing the competition into the Tremendous Over.
Within the deciding over, Arshdeep showcased composure as he restricted Sri Lanka to only two runs. India’s skipper Suryakumar Yadav wasted no time, smashing the primary ball to seal the victory. Whereas the scenes of triumph had been celebrated within the Indian camp, questions stay over the stability of the taking part in XI and Rana’s function for the rest of the event.
Rana, who changed Shivam Dube within the XI for this match, now finds his place beneath scrutiny. With Dube anticipated to return for the high-stakes ultimate towards Pakistan, the younger pacer might should make method. India are prone to depend on extra skilled choices in huge matches, contemplating the skinny margins on the Asia Cup stage.
Ashwin’s candid critique is a reminder of the fact in worldwide tournaments—each mistake is magnified and each alternative counts. For Rana, the expertise towards Sri Lanka might nonetheless function an important lesson if he channels it towards his development. Nevertheless, as Ashwin stated, he should “actually study” to keep away from falling into predictable patterns if he desires to cement his future on the highest degree.
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