India’s former wicket-keeper bat Dinesh Karthik has urged the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel to pick Harshit Rana in the Indian team for the Border-Gavaskar trophy against Australia. Rana, the lanky pacer, is a hit-the-deck bowler and thus he can find success while playing on the Australian pitches, which are known for their extra bounce.

Rana impressed with his performances in the last edition of the IPL, taking 19 wickets in 13 matches at an average of 20.15 and an economy rate of 9.08 and finished as the fifth-highest wicket-taker in the tournament. Ergo, Rana played an instrumental role in taking KKR to glory.

Furthermore, Rana picked five wickets in three matches of the Deodhar trophy while playing for North Zone. Moreover, Rana has also impressed in the ongoing Duleep trophy as he has picked eight wickets in two matches at an average of 19.12.

“Harshit Rana. He’s got special skills; he’s got good backspin on the ball, kisses of the pitch; he’s a very talented fast bowler. I really wish they take him to Australia. I think he will make a difference there,” Karthik said on Cricbuzz’s HeyCB with DK show when asked about which bowler has impressed him in the ongoing Duleep Trophy 2024.

Speaking on the Test squad picked for the Bangladesh series, Karthik said, “I am very satisfied (with the India squad). I just thought, could there be a chance for Harshit Rana? I thought he bowled very well; something very special about him, that’s all, but they (India) already have 4 medium pacers and good medium pacers, so well done, good team.”

India and Bangladesh will take on each other in a two-match Test series, starting September 19 in Chennai.

The opening Test match between India and Australia will be played at Perth from November 22 onwards.