Harshit claimed four wickets to script India's consolation win in the third ODI against Australia.
Former cricketer Kris Srikkanth heaped praise on Harshit Rana, weeks after his YouTube rant against the fast bowler’s selection in the Indian team across formats went viral.
Srikkanth’s words of appreciation came after Harshit delivered a match-winning spell in the third and final ODI against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday (October 25).
The right-arm quick returned with the figures of 4 for 39 in 8.4 overs, helping India bundle out the hosts for a modest 236 in 46.4 overs. Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Mitchell Owen and Josh Hazlewood were his victims.
“Harshit Rana bowled superbly. Taking four wickets in an ODI is a big achievement. My favourite was the wicket of Owen. It was a superb delivery and Rohit took a great catch," Srikkanth said while speaking on his YouTube channel.
“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 added.
“So today, Harshit Rana deserves all the praise. I am very happy for you. Yes, I criticised 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 continued.
Earlier this month, Kris Srikkanth had alleged that Harshit Rana was in the national side only because of his equation with head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In a press conference, Gambhir hit back at the former BCCI chief selector, saying that one shouldn’t target a youngster to run a YouTube channel.
Meanwhile, Srikkanth commended India’s decision to field three spinners in the Sydney ODI while also lauding the entire bowling unit for their collective effort.
“It was a very good decision to play three spinners. But I did not understand why Axar Patel bowled only seven overs even today. Not sure why Prasidh Krishna was brought back to bowl with Axar not completing his ten overs," Srikkanth remarked.
Chasing the modest target of 237, India lost skipper Shubman Gill for 24, but the veteran duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli forged an unbroken partnership of 168 runs to guide the visitors home with nine wickets and 69 deliveries to spare.
In what could be their Australian swansongs, Rohit remained unbeaten on 121 off 125 balls while Kohli finished with 74 not out off 81 balls.