Overview
- India lost the opening ODI in Perth by seven wickets as Harshit Rana went wicketless for 27 runs in four overs.
- Former opener Kris Srikkanth alleged Rana keeps his place as Gautam Gambhir’s favourite, sharpening perceptions of patronage.
- Gautam Gambhir said the 23-year-old earned his spot on merit and criticised online attacks on young players driven by clicks.
- Aakash Chopra urged fans to avoid personal abuse and argued India’s limited pool of ready fast bowlers justifies backing a prospect.
- Rana has 10 wickets in six ODIs at a 23.4 average and 5.8 economy, with strong domestic and recent IPL returns, and the second ODI is set for October 23 at Adelaide Oval.