Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin delivered a blunt assessment of young pacer Harshit Rana’s performance in India’s Super 4 clash against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2025. The encounter at the Dubai International Stadium on Friday turned out to be a high-scoring thriller before being decided in a Super Over, where India eventually registered a crucial victory. However, the spotlight also fell on the pace department, especially Rana, whose inexperience was exposed under pressure.
Ravichandran Ashwin slams Harshit Rana after Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 struggle
Harshit leaked as many as 54 runs from his four-over spell, managing only one wicket. In his first three overs, the 23-year-old looked out of rhythm and failed to adjust to the batting-friendly surface as Pathum Nissanka dominated him with authority. Nissanka’s fluent stroke play punished mistakes in line and length, making Rana’s predictability more apparent. His final over provided some redemption, where he dismissed the dangerous opener, but Ashwin remained unimpressed with what he saw throughout.
Speaking on his YouTube channel Ash Ki Baat, the senior spinner did not mince words. He described Rana’s bowling choices as “amateurish” and insisted the youngster must learn quickly at this level. “Harshit Rana kept doing the same pattern, mixing one fast delivery with one slower ball. Nissanka read it easily and punished him. At this level, such predictability will hurt a bowler and the team’s chances. He should really learn from this,” Ashwin stated.
The former India stalwart also highlighted that while rusty match practice could affect control, the repeated mistakes against Sri Lanka were glaring. He pointed out that India regained control during the middle overs and through Arshdeep Singh’s clutch display in the Super Over, but Rana’s showing underlined concerns about India’s bench strength in the pace attack.
India’s nerve-steadying comeback despite Rana’s spell
Despite Rana’s expensive overs, the Super 4 clash produced one of the most intense finishes of the tournament. After Nissanka’s blistering century gave Sri Lanka a firm grip on the chase, India clawed back through disciplined middle-overs bowling. Rana’s final over managed to send Nissanka back at a vital moment, ensuring the game didn’t slip away completely. That late effort kept India alive, pushing the contest into the Super Over.
In the deciding over, Arshdeep showcased composure as he restricted Sri Lanka to just two runs. India’s skipper Suryakumar Yadav wasted no time, smashing the first ball to seal the victory. While the scenes of triumph were celebrated in the Indian camp, questions remain over the balance of the playing XI and Rana’s role for the remainder of the tournament.
Rana, who replaced Shivam Dube in the XI for this match, now finds his place under scrutiny. With Dube expected to return for the high-stakes final against Pakistan, the young pacer may have to make way. India are likely to rely on more experienced options in big matches, considering the thin margins at the Asia Cup stage.
Ashwin’s candid critique is a reminder of the reality in international tournaments—every mistake is magnified and every opportunity counts. For Rana, the experience against Sri Lanka could still serve as a crucial lesson if he channels it toward his growth. However, as Ashwin said, he must “really learn” to avoid falling into predictable patterns if he wants to cement his future at the highest level.
