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Former Indian cricketer and commentator Irfan Pathan has revealed the main reason why selectors have opted for a pacer like Harshit Rana ahead of Harshal Patel in the Indian T20I squad for the forthcoming Asia Cup 2025 campaign.
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After the squad announcement, many people in the Indian cricket fraternity questioned the inclusion of Harshit Rana in the squad. However, Pathan stated that Rana’s numbers are slightly better in the powerplay overs when compared to Harshal.
"Harshal Patel and Harshit Rana, if you compare, where he might have missed out, the numbers are very similar in the middle and the death overs in terms of economy. But when it comes to powerplay, Harshit Rana's numbers are slightly better. If the situation arises that they want to play Harshit Rana with the new ball and partner with Bumrah, they might have that thought process and this is where he (Harshal) misses out," Irfan Pathan told the media in a Sony Sports Network interaction.
Harshal Patel, who played for four different IPL franchises, has a total of 151 wickets from 119 T20Is at an average of 23.7 and an economy of 8.85. He last represented Team India in January 2023 against Sri Lanka at Wankhede.
Furthermore, Pathan also felt that it is unfortunate for a player like Harshal to miss out, but someone needs to miss out of the squad. However, he asserted that the new ball bowling ability could be the major marginal reason behind Harshit getting picked.
"It is very unfortunate for Harshal Patel because he is a guy who has performed consistently in the IPL. But to miss out, there is always going to be someone who will miss out. There is always going to be a criteria when it comes to selection and I am sure this selection between these two guys must have played the new ball bowling ability. And that is also marginal," he added.
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