Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin didn’t hold back in his assessment of Harshit Rana’s performance against Sri Lanka in the final Super Four clash of the Asia Cup 2025. Despite dismissing centurion Pathum Nissanka in a tense final over, Rana came under fire from Ashwin for what he called an “amateurish” approach on a flat Dubai track.
Harshit Rana was brought into the playing XI as a replacement for Jasprit Bumrah. India posted a competitive total of 203, putting the pressure on Sri Lanka to chase. Pathum Nissanka gave the Lankans a blazing start and anchored the innings with an outstanding 107.
Harshit Rana Leaks Runs in Middle Overs
Rana opened the bowling during the powerplay, conceding 12 runs in his first over. Tensions flared when he exchanged words with Nissanka mid-innings, an incident that seemed to spark the batter into action. In his next two overs, Rana leaked 32 runs, allowing Sri Lanka to gain momentum.
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With Hardik Pandya off the field due to cramps and limited bowling options available, stand-in captain Suryakumar Yadav had no choice but to hand the final over to Harshit Rana, with Sri Lanka needing 12 runs to win and Nissanka still at the crease.
Rana began the final over with a breakthrough, dismissing Nissanka on the very first ball.. He then kept his nerve to concede just 11 runs, narrowly preventing Sri Lanka from chasing the target and forcing a Super Over — where India ultimately prevailed to remain unbeaten in the tournament.
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"Amateurish" – Ashwin on Rana's Tactical Approach
Despite that redemption, Ashwin wasn’t impressed. Speaking on his YouTube channel ‘Ash Ki Baat’, he criticized Rana’s inconsistency and tactical approach.
“I thought the game was done in the powerplay, but India made a stellar comeback after that,” Ashwin said.
“Harshit Rana was cranking up the speed. He hit him on the head, and then he followed it up with a slower ball. Nissanka played it beautifully. Harshit Rana was just bowling slower balls after delivering a fast-paced delivery. One fast, one show and one fast and one slow. That is a really amateurish way of playing cricket. He should really learn from this.” Ashwin added
Looking ahead, Harshit Rana is unlikely to feature in the final against Pakistan on September 28, with Jasprit Bumrah set to return to the playing XI.
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