Fri Dec 06 08:51:51 UTC 2024: ## Shastri Advocates for Akash Deep Over Harshit Rana in India’s Pink-Ball Test XI
**Adelaide, Australia:** With the second Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test match against Australia looming on December 6th, speculation is rife regarding India’s playing XI. Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri has weighed in on the debate surrounding the team’s third pace bowling option, advocating for Akash Deep over Harshit Rana for the day-night encounter in Adelaide.
Shastri believes the pink ball conditions necessitate a bowler who can extract extra bounce, giving Akash Deep the edge. While Delhi’s Harshit Rana impressed on his debut in the first Test in Perth, taking four wickets against the Australia Prime Minister’s XI and a total of four wickets in the Test match itself, Shastri feels Akash Deep’s ability to generate extra bounce makes him a more suitable choice for the Adelaide pitch.
Rana’s strong performance in Perth, however, makes his omission a contentious choice. The selection decision will be crucial for India’s chances of success in the crucial second Test.
First Piper 