**‘Gautam Gambhir’s Favorite’: Srikkanth’s Take on Harshit Rana’s Selection for Australia Tour**
*By Gaurav Tripathi | October 5, 2025, 12:23 PM*
Former Indian cricketer Kris Srikkanth recently took a light-hearted dig at Delhi pacer Harshit Rana following his selection in both the ODI and T20I squads for India’s upcoming tour of Australia. Rana, who has become a regular member of the team thanks to consistent backing from coach Gautam Gambhir, was the subject of Srikkanth’s joke on his YouTube channel.
### Srikkanth’s Quip on Rana’s Selection
Srikkanth humorously remarked that Harshit Rana seems to be Gambhir’s favorite player. According to him, apart from captain Shubman Gill, Rana’s name is the first to appear on the team sheet. “Harshit Rana is a permanent because he is Gautam Gambhir’s favorite. He is always a certainty and the first name on the team sheet after Shubman Gill,” Srikkanth joked.
### Harshit Rana’s Performance So Far
Rana has impressed with his bowling figures, claiming 10 wickets from five ODIs at an average of 20.70. In addition, he has taken five wickets in three T20Is at an average of 22.40. His consistent performances have earned him a solid place in the squad, especially in the absence of senior pacer Jasprit Bumrah for the ODI leg of the tour.
### Potential Australian Debut
Having made his ODI debut earlier this year against England, Rana now has a chance to showcase his skills in Australian conditions. With Bumrah rested for the ODIs, the fast bowler is expected to play a key role on the international platform Down Under.
### Selection Debate: Nitish Kumar Reddy’s Inclusion
Alongside Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy was also named in the ODI squad. However, Srikkanth questioned this decision, expressing doubts about Reddy being a suitable all-rounder to handle Australian pitches. “Where did Nitish Kumar Reddy come from? If you ask them they’ll say he’s Hardik Pandya’s replacement. But the actual replacement for Hardik is Ravindra Jadeja, not Reddy,” Srikkanth noted.
### Nitish Kumar Reddy’s Experience
Despite the criticism, Nitish Kumar Reddy does bring some experience of Australian conditions. He debuted in Test cricket during India’s challenging Border-Gavaskar Trophy campaign in 2024-25. Although the team struggled overall, Reddy’s individual performances received praise from fans and experts alike, which could serve him well on the upcoming tour.
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With India preparing to face Australia, all eyes will be on young talents like Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy as they aim to justify their selection on the international stage.
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