Is Harshit Rana a better bowler than Siraj? Former India cricketer has an answer

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra feels that Harshit Rana has had 'things go in his favour slightly' while comparing him to star bowler Mohammed Siraj concerning India's Asia Cup 2025 squad. Despite playing only one T20I up until now, the Delhi cricketer was selected to be a part of the 15-member squad for the upcoming continental tournament.

Chopra was clear in his assessment when comparing the two bowlers. He concluded his argument by favouring Siraj over Harshit, with even the stats saying so. Siraj has picked up 14 wickets in 16 matches at an economy rate of 7.79. On the other hand, Harshit registered figures of 3/33 in his four overs in the only T20I he has featured in. Even in recent IPL 2025, the Gujarat Titans' pacer outperformed the KKR seamer by some distance.

"No, Siraj will be played in ODIs as well. He will have to wait a little in T20Is. Harshit Rana isn't a better bowler, because if that had been the case, he would've played in the XI in all three formats. The guy sits outside. I won't say he's a better bowler than Siraj or that his records are better than Siraj's. At this point in time, it seems like things go in his favor slightly every now and then, but Siraj is a better bowler. If one does man-to-man marking, of course, Siraj is better, stated Chopra in a video on his YouTube channel.

Siraj's last white-ball games for India came on the Sri Lanka tour across July and August 2024. However, he has been an active ingredient in Test cricket for the Indian team, coached by Gautam Gambhir. The Hyderabad-born has been impressive in most of the 14 Tests played from September 2024 to August 2025. Siraj recently emerged as the leading wicket-taker in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, with 23 wickets.

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As for Harhsit, he has represented the national setup in two Tests, five ODIs and one T20I so far. The 23-year-old has shown glimpses of promise too, however, he is yet to prove his worth. It will be interesting to observe whether he will be given the nod to be a part of the XI in the continental event.