Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik seemed satisfied with BCCI’s selection committee for assembling the 16-member squad for the upcoming opening Test match against Bangladesh next week.
However, he questioned whether there might have been room for an additional fast bowler, either replacing Yash Dayal or alongside the uncapped player.
In an interview with Cricbuzz Karthik suggested that Kolkata Knight Riders standout Harshit Rana, who received his first India call-up earlier this summer for the ODI series in Sri Lanka, could have been included in the Test squad for the Bangladesh match.
Karthik’s rationale was largely influenced by the right-arm pacer’s impressive performance last week in the opening round of the Duleep Trophy, where he took four wickets in the first innings for India D against the C team in Anantapur.
“I just thought, could there have been a spot for Harshit? I felt he bowled well and there is something really special about him. But they already have four good medium pacers,” he remarked.
Earlier in July, Harshit received an India call-up following a remarkable season with KKR, where he claimed 19 wickets in 13 matches at a strike rate of 13.31, making him the leading uncapped bowler and the fifth-highest overall.
Karthik believes that Agarkar and his team should seriously consider Harshit, whom he believes could have a significant impact in Australia.
“Harshit Rana. He has special skills, a good backspin on the ball, kisses off the pitch, and is a very talented fast bowler. I really wish they take him to Australia because he will make a difference there,” he stated.
So far, Harshit has appeared in only eight first-class matches, taking 32 wickets for Delhi at an average of 25.31. Following the Duleep Trophy, the 22-year-old is set to concentrate on the Ranji Trophy next month as he aims to strengthen his case for selection in the India Test squad.
