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Xtra Time Web Desk: India pacer Harshit Rana should not be dropped for the Brisbane Test despite his struggles in Adelaide. After his debut heroics in Perth, Rana was taken to task by Australian batters, particularly Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne, as Australia bounced back in the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Following India’s heavy defeat, discussions have surfaced, with some blaming Rana for his lack of control over line and length. Many fans took to social media to express their disappointment after Head and Labuschagne attacked the young pacer, smashing him for 17 runs in the final over of his spell on the morning of Saturday, December 7.

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However, India captain Rohit Sharma has come to Rana’s defense, stating: "Rana didn't do anything wrong in the first Test and did well there. Whenever the team needed crucial breakthroughs, he provided them. I feel if a player hasn't done anything wrong, he shouldn't be dropped."

It is important to remember that Rana is just two Tests into his career. While he picked up four wickets against the Australian Prime Minister's XI, his contribution in Adelaide was limited. Considering his impactful outing in Perth, India would be wise not to make the mistake of benching Rana too quickly, as this could affect his confidence for the rest of the tour.

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If the team management believes the Harshit Rana experiment needs to end, they should still give him one more opportunity—especially on a Brisbane pitch that naturally suits his abilities. Benchings should not happen hastily; after all, the team has provided ample opportunities to players like KL Rahul in the past. Harshit Rana deserves another chance, and if he fails to capitalize, only then should the management consider replacing him.