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Senior politician Shashi Tharoor sparked controversy on social media after criticizing India’s team selection for the second ODI against Australia at the Adelaide Oval, where Harshit Rana was preferred over Kuldeep Yadav.
Shashi Tharoor’s ‘awful’ dig at Harshit Rana
Calling the decision “Awful,” Tharoor opined that leaving out a proven match-winner like Kuldeep in favour of a journeyman pacer like Rana. His remarks gained traction after Australia’s Xavier Bartlett dismissed both Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli early in the innings, intensifying criticism of India’s playing XI.
“So Xavier Bartlett took just four balls to show the Indian selectors the idiocy of their decision to leave out the most potent match-winner in their squad,
@imkuldeep18, in favour of a journeyman pacer like Rana. It was wrong to omit Kuldeep in England & it is absurd not to pick him in Adelaide. Awful!” tweeted Tharoor.
So Xavier Bartlett took just four balls to show the Indian selectors the idiocy of their decision to leave out the most potent match-winner in their squad, , in favour of a journeyman pacer like Rana. It was wrong to omit Kuldeep in England & it is absurd not to pick…
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor)
Fans reaction on Tharoor’s viral mishap
Tharoor’s post quickly went viral – but not for the reasons he intended. Netizens pointed out a factual error in his comments, as the Congress leader thought Bartlett – a fast bowler – as a spinner while questioning India’s decision to bench Kuldeep. The gaffe led to widespread trolling, with users mocking the politician for his confusion. Many fans defended the selectors’ call to play Rana as part of a four-pacer attack, tailored to the seam-friendly Adelaide conditions, mirroring Australia’s own pace-heavy strategy.
Xavier barlett is a fast bowler
Kuldeep is a chinamanWhat did you have for drinks last night Shashi the hangover seems to have kicked in.
— Rohit Mundra (@RohitMu91645791)
Australia in fact is also playing four pace bowlers.
India is doing the same.
Xavier Bartlett is not a spinner. Kuldeep Yadav is, and Axar Patel is already in the squad as a spinner who will bowl 10 overs along side Washington Sundar.
Both the spinners are accomplished batsmen…
— Amrit Pradhan (@amritpradhan63)
Selection debate: Harshit Rana vs Kuldeep Yadav
The selectors’ preference for Rana was rooted in his raw pace and ability to exploit movement off the surface. The youngster repaid some faith by dismissing Travis Head for 28, though critics argued Kuldeep’s spin could have been more effective in the middle overs. The discussion reignited broader debates about India’s bowling balance, particularly the limited use of wrist-spin in overseas conditions. Meanwhile, Adam Zampa’s leg-spin proved decisive for Australia, reinforcing the value of quality spin options even on quick pitches.
India eventually lost by two wickets after posting 264/9 in 50 overs. Despite a competitive total, Matthew Short (74 off 78) and Cooper Connolly (61 not out off 53) guided Australia home in 46.2 overs. While Tharoor’s critique resonated with some fans, selectors remain firm on backing emerging pacers like Rana, with Axar Patel and Washington Sundar filling the spin-bowling all-rounder roles for balance in overseas conditions.
