I am not doing PR: Aakash Chopra defends Harshit Rana after shock ODI return

Harshit Rana made a shock return to the ODI team for the third and final game of the series against Afghanistan, played on Saturday (June 20). The right-arm pacer is part of the T20I team for the Ireland and England series and was set to fly to the UK with the team. But the selection committee also added him in the ODI team. Though he wasn't included in the playing XI. Rana answered the critics who highlighted that Rana hadn't played competitive cricket since February.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, the former India opener said: "Harshit Rana's name has come up in the Indian team. Someone was asking me how Harshit's name came when he hasn't played any domestic cricket. So let me just tell all of you that the rule to play domestic cricket is only applicable when domestic cricket is happening. Apart from that, you come after playing a few simulation matches in the COE, and it's equal for everyone."

"I understand that Harshit Rana gets a lot of hate, and you might say that I am doing PR in this video. I am not doing PR. I am just explaining the protocol to you. The protocol is the same for everyone. You don't like me saying this, but it's the truth, and it feels bitter automatically," he added.

Rana suffered a knee injury during the warm-up game against South Africa before the 2026 T20 World Cup. He was ruled out of the ICC event and IPL 2026. He has now made his white-ball return and looks set to play against Ireland on June 26. The bowling all-rounder will also fly to Japan for the Asian Games. He is likely to retain his spot in the ODI team for the England series.

India's upcoming matches

India will play two T20Is against Ireland on June 26 and 28 in Belfast. After the Ireland series, the Men in Blue will land in England for 5 T20Is and 3 ODIs. The T20Is are scheduled to be played on July 1, 4, 7, 9 and 11. The 3 ODIs will be played on July 14, 16 and 19.

Disclaimer: This article summarizes a report by Aakash Chopra. While Times Now has verified the public data presented, the interpretations of 'intent' remain those of the creator.

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