Agarkar encouraged to select 'special, talented fast bowler' for BGT after being overlooked by BCCI: 'Could've played in BAN Tests'

In a recent interview with Cricbuzz, Dinesh Karthik suggested that Harshit Rana, a rising star from Kolkata Knight Riders, deserved a spot in the Test squad for the upcoming Bangladesh match. Karthik highlighted Rana's standout performance in the Duleep Trophy, where he took four wickets in the first innings for India D against the C team in Anantapur. Despite earning his maiden India call-up for the ODI series in Sri Lanka earlier this summer, Karthik believed Rana's strong showing in the domestic circuit warranted consideration for the longer format of the game.

“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 said.

Earlier in July, Harshit earned an India call-up after a memorable campaign for KKR, where he picked 19 wickets in 13 matches at a strike rate of 13.31, the most by an uncapped bowler and fifth-highest overall.

After the opening round of the Duleep Trophy, Akash Deep, who earlier made a debut for India in the Ranchi Test against England in February, impressed the selectors with his nine-wicket haul for India A last week to emerge as the fourth pacer for India. But the contest remains open for back-up pace options with India building towards the Border-Gavaskar Test series in Australia in December.

Karthik reckons that Agarkar and Co. should consider Harshit, whom he feels could make a difference 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 said.

Harshit has so far made only eight appearances in first-class cricket, picking 32 wickets for Delhi at 25.31. Following the Duleep Trophy, the 22-year-old will look to focus on Ranji Trophy next month in a bid to push his case for an India Test selection.