Veteran politician Shashi Tharoor has sparked controversy on social media after criticizing India’s team selection Second Odi against Australia At the Adelaide Oval where Harshit Rana got the better of Kuldeep Yadav.
Shashi Tharoor’s ‘terrible’ land Harshit Rana
“Terrible” Tharoor called out a proven match-winner like KulDeep in favor of a journeyman pacer like Rana. Australia’s Xavier Bartlett won for his remarks at the start of the innings by both Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli, fueling India’s criticism of Xi, who dismissed both Shubman Gill and Kohli.
“So Xavier Bartlett took just four balls to show the Indian selectors the folly of his decision to leave out the strongest match-winner in his squad,
@ imkuldeep18 in favor of a journeyman pacer like Rana. It was a mistake to leave out Kuldeep in England and it is absurd not to pick him in Adelaide. Terrible! tweeted Tharoor.
So, Xavier Bartlett took just four balls to show the Indian selectors left their decision to field the strongest match-winner in their squad, @imkuldeep18In favor of a journeyman pacer like Rana. It was a mistake to Omit Kuldeep in England and it is absurd not to get…
– Shashi Tharoor (@shashitharoor) October 23, 2025
Fans Thoroor’s Reaction to Viral Mishap
Tharoor’s post quickly went viral – but not for the intended reasons. A netizen said Congress leader Bartlett – as a fast bowler, was a moral error as a fast bowler as a spinner, while questioning India’s bench’s kuldeep decision. The gaffe is rampant with severe trolling, with users mocking users for their confusion. Many fans defended the callers’ call to play Rana in the seam-friendly Adelaide conditions, where four pacers attack, reflecting Australia’s own pace strategy.
Xavier Bartlett is a fast bowler
KulDeep is a ChinamanWhat did you do for drinks last night?
– Rohit Mundra (@rohitmu9164791) October 23, 2025
In fact, Australia also plays four PACE bowlers.
India is doing the same.
Xavier Bartlett is not a spinner. Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel are in the line-up alongside Washington Sundar as a spinner who will bowl 10 overs 10 overs.
Both the spinner batsmen also perform…
– Amrit Pradhan (@amritpradhan63) October 23, 2025
Selection Debate: Harshit Rana vs Kuldeep Yadav
The selectors’ preference for Rana is rooted in his raw pace and ability to move across the surface. Young overturned some faith by dismissing TRAVIS’s head for 28, although critics argued that KulDeep’s spin would have been more effective in the middle overs. Debate Wider debate about India’s bowling balance, particularly the use of wrist-spin in away conditions. Meanwhile, Adam Zampa’s Leg-Spin proved crucial to Australia, reinforcing the value of quality spin options on fast pitches as well.
Read: Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal Power India in India World Cup 2025 Semi-Finals
India eventually lost by two wickets after posting 264/9 in 50 overs. In a competitive manner, Matta short (78 off 78) and Cooper Connolly (53 not out) at home to Australia at 46.2 (61 not out). While Tharoor has resonated with some of his fans, selectors AXAR PATEL and Washington Sundar support emerging pacers like AXAR-Bowling’s Sundar, who fills the rotation bowling roles for balance in External Conditions.
