'I criticised him the maximum, but he needed it' - Former selector lauds Harshit Rana after match-winning performance against New Zealand

Former chief selector Kris Srikkanth has credited Harshit Rana for proving himself as a seam-bowling all-rounder. Harshit put in a solid all-round performance in the series-opening clash in Vadodara on January 11.

Srikkanth also admitted to being highly critical towards Harshit in the past, but emphasised that the scrutiny was something which was required at that point in time. Srikkanth complimented Harshit's ability of displaying his all-round abilitiies.

"I criticised him the maximum. But at that time, he needed the criticism. But you always want to prove a point, and he is trying to prove a point. He is like 'look Cheeka, I am a proper bowling all-rounder. Cheeka sir, please look at me, I am not a bad bowling all-rounder.' He is able to get those wickets, which is very important. Wicket-taking is very important. That is something fantastic," shared Srikkanth on his YouTube channel.

The 66-year-old also said that he could not comprehend that Ravindra Jadeja was promoted ahead KL Rahul in the first ODI. However, he commended Rahul for his versatility and the wicketkeeper-batter's stand with Harshit Rana. 

"KL Rahul is coming after Jadeja. I do not understand the theory. But leave it. You send him anywhere, you send him to open the batting, he will win matches you send him at four, he will, you send him at six, he will too. That is KL classy Rahul for you. His partnership with Harshit Rana was also very crucial," he added.

India won the match by four wickets and an over to spare. Harshit picked up two wickets, conceding 65 runs in 10 overs. He then forged a crucial partnership with Rahul and played a crucial 29-run knock off only 23 deliveries with two fours and a six.

Virat Kohli was adjudged as the Player of the Match for his 91-ball 93. The next two matches of the series are scheduled to be played in Rajkot (January 14) and Indore (January 18).