Tag: cricket performance

Ashwin highlights flaws in Harshit Rana’s spell against SL

**‘Amateurish’: Ashwin Highlights Flaws in Harshit Rana’s Spell Against Sri Lanka**

*By Parth Dhall | Sep 27, 2025, 03:20 PM*

Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has pointed out several flaws in pacer Harshit Rana’s bowling during India’s 2025 Asia Cup Super 4 clash against Sri Lanka. The match, played at the Dubai International Stadium on Friday, saw Harshit struggle with his bowling rhythm as he conceded 54 runs in four overs, taking just one wicket. Despite his performance, India secured a thrilling win through a Super Over.

### Harshit Rana’s Performance Analysis

In only his second match of the tournament, Harshit found it difficult to adapt to the Dubai conditions. The Delhi pacer leaked runs heavily in his first three overs, failing to find his usual rhythm. However, he made a notable comeback in his final over by dismissing Sri Lanka’s explosive batsman Pathum Nissanka, who had scored a quickfire 107 off 58 balls.

### Ashwin’s Candid Criticism

Speaking on his YouTube channel *Ash Ki Baat*, Ashwin did not hold back while analyzing Harshit’s bowling. He emphasized the importance of consistent game time, stating, “Playing just a few matches, then sitting out others, can really affect confidence and rhythm.” Ashwin described some of Harshit’s mistakes as “really amateurish” and urged the young pacer to learn from these experiences.

### Bowling Style Under the Scanner

Ashwin also critiqued Harshit’s bowling approach, pointing out its predictability. “One fast, one slow, one fast, one slow. That’s really amateurish cricket,” Ashwin commented, highlighting the need for variation and smarter tactics in his spells.

### Team Selection and Stats

Harshit Rana was included in the playing XI in place of Shivam Dube for the Sri Lanka match. Previously, he had featured against Oman in a dead rubber game during the same tournament.

To date, Harshit has represented India in two Test matches, five ODIs, and three T20Is but is yet to firmly establish himself across formats. Overall, his domestic career boasts 48 T20, 32 List A, and 50 First-Class wickets.

—

Harshit’s performance and Ashwin’s frank critique underscore the challenges young bowlers face in international cricket, especially when dealing with inconsistent opportunities and the pressure of big tournaments like the Asia Cup. It remains to be seen how Harshit adapts and grows from this experience moving forward.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/asia-cup-ashwin-highlights-harshit-rana-s-shortcomings/story

“Definitely not his best tournament” – Dinesh Karthik’s big statement on all-rounder after IND vs SL Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 match

Former India keeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has expressed disappointment over experienced all-rounder Axar Patel’s below-par performance in the Asia Cup 2025. According to Karthik, the versatile cricketer has not been at his best with either the bat or the ball so far in the tournament.

Axar has played all of India’s matches in Asia Cup 2025 to date. In six games, the left-arm spinner has claimed four wickets at an average of 28 and an economy rate of 7. With the bat, he has scored 57 runs in three innings at a strike rate of 132.55.

In the Super 4 match against Sri Lanka on Friday, September 26, the 31-year-old proved expensive, finishing with figures of 0-32 from three overs. During a discussion on Cricbuzz, Karthik agreed with the observation that the experienced cricketer has not been in good form in the Asia Cup.

He commented, “I think he’s been slightly off-color in this tournament so far. With the bat as well, a bit rusty. With the ball, he’s tended to bowl slightly short in trying to preempt what the batsman is doing. But you’ve got to back him. He’s been such an elite bowler and a terrific performer in T20 cricket. But it’s definitely not been his best tournament, without a doubt.”

Despite a disappointing overall showing, Axar has had some notable moments in the T20 tournament. The Delhi Capitals (DC) skipper registered figures of 2-18 against Pakistan in the group game. He also contributed with the bat, scoring 26 off 13 balls against Oman and an unbeaten 21 off 15 against Sri Lanka on Friday.

### “Very ordinary” – Dinesh Karthik on India’s fielding in Asia Cup 2025

India’s fielding in the Asia Cup 2025 has been below par. The Men in Blue dropped a number of easy catches in the Super 4 clashes against Pakistan and Bangladesh. While their fielding improved somewhat against Sri Lanka, there were still some sloppy moments.

Reflecting on India’s poor show in the field heading into the final, Karthik said, “In this tournament, India is head and shoulders above everybody else with batting and bowling, but very ordinary on the field. I don’t think you can not speak about that. It’s an area to be addressed, but it’s a bit too late in this tournament.”

### Asia Cup 2025 Final: India vs Pakistan

Having beaten Pakistan twice—once in the group stage and again in the Super 4 round—the Men in Blue will face off against their rivals once more in the Asia Cup 2025 final. The much-anticipated clash is scheduled to take place in Dubai on Sunday, September 28. Given Axar Patel’s experience and the team’s trust in his abilities, Indian team management is likely to back him for the crucial final despite his recent struggles.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/news-dinesh-karthik-big-statement-axar-patel-ind-vs-sl-asia-cup-2025-super-4-match

Exit mobile version