India, Jan. 11 -- Harshit Rana's inclusion in India's playing XI for the first ODI against New Zealand created a certain degree of controversy. Former players like R Ashwin and Priyank Panchal pointed out Arshdeep Singh's absence and slammed the decision. It wasn't only criticism, though, as the KKR pacer also found some supporters. The main among them are former Indian cricketers Mohammad Kaif and Irfan Pathan. (India vs New Zealand 1st ODI LIVE Score)

Kaif took to X to highlight Rana's skill set as a pacer, calling it a 'Heartening sign for Indian cricket.' Meanwhile, Pathan hailed Rana's ability to 'consistently' get breakthroughs for India, as he did on Sunday against New Zealand.

Kaif wrote, "Harshit Rana shows what confidence can ...