'Playing only because of Gambhir': Fans slam Harshit Rana after expensive spell in IND vs AUS 2nd ODI costs India

Divy Dubey

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'Playing only because of Gambhir': Fans slam Harshit Rana after expensive spell in IND vs AUS 2nd ODI costs India image

India's hopes of levelling the ODI series against Australia slipped away in Adelaide as the hosts sealed a two-wicket win to clinch the series 2-0. While Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer struck half-centuries to lift India to 264, the bowlers couldn't quite hold their nerve in the chase.

Among them, Harshit Rana's expensive spell drew criticism from fans online - many of whom questioned his continued selection under head coach Gautam Gambhir.

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Harshit Rana's costly spell under scrutiny after defeat in 2nd ODI

While bowling, Rana struggled to contain the flow of runs on the Adelaide surface. Despite picking up two wickets, his short-ball-heavy approach backfired, conceding 59 runs in eight overs at an economy rate of 7.40.

Australia's middle-lower order, led by Cooper Connolly and Mitchell Owen, capitalized on the loose deliveries to guide the chase home in the 47th over. The result meant India suffered back-to-back defeats in the series.

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Rana's bowling, in particular, became a focal point of fan frustration - especially after wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav was once again left out of the XI.

Fans blame Gautam Gambhir's influence for Harshit Rana's continued selection

Soon after the match, social media was abuzz with criticism of the young pacer's selection. Many fans accused team management of favouritism, suggesting that Rana's place in the side was largely due to head coach Gautam Gambhir's influence.

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While the criticism has been loud, the management has so far backed Rana's potential and raw pace. However, with the series already lost, India might consider tweaking their bowling combination for the final ODI in Sydney.

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