'Harshit Rana can't be Shami'– Manoj Tiwary criticises Gautam Gambhir’s on-the-job grooming philosophy

Former India batter Manoj Tiwary recently questioned Gautam Gambhir’s approach to grooming players at the international level, using fast bowler Harshit Rana as the main example. While Rana’s performances have impressed selectors and team management, Tiwary believes India cannot afford experiments that compromise bowling quality, especially by expecting Rana to fill the void left by Mohammed Shami.

The 24-year-old has been seen as a promising all-round option in India’s pace department. With solid batting ability and a skillset to provide breakthroughs, he finished as India’s highest wicket-taker in the recent ODI series against New Zealand and even scored a match-saving half-century in the third ODI. However, many have expressed concerns over his bowling economy across formats. Despite consistent selection backing under head coach Gambhir, Rana’s numbers show a bowler who leaks runs even while taking wickets.

In an exclusive interaction with Inside Sport, Tiwary openly criticised Gambhir’s philosophy of on-the-job grooming at the highest level. Tiwary stated that while Rana’s batting contributions are impressive, they cannot justify his poor bowling returns.

“Harshit Rana should concentrate on bowling economically. They have invested so much in Rana, and that’s alright, but he cannot be Mohammed Shami in bowling. Just because Harshit can bat that doesn’t mean that he will keep conceding so many runs in bowling and then contribute with the bat for people to celebrate,” Manoj Tiwary said.

 I am not yet convinced: Manoj Tiwary

Notably, Rana’s ODI economy stands at 6.21, while his T20I economy touches 10.17. Even in Tests, his economy is over 4.5. Tiwary stressed that India has enough bowling options in the domestic pool and should not be grooming players at the international level when backups exist.

"That doesn’t make sense. I am not yet convinced. India team is not a place where you groom a player. You groom a player when there is no backup in the pool. Here, there are many bowlers," he added.

Meanwhile, a comparison with Mohammed Shami has also grabbed attention. At his peak, Shami was India’s second main pacer after Jasprit Bumrah, including a historic 24-wicket haul at the 2023 ODI World Cup. However, Gambhir’s intent is different. With modern ODI and T20 cricket demanding deeper batting line-ups, India are looking to extend batting till No.8. Rana’s IPL performances and improving confidence with the bat fit that vision.