India, Oct. 28 -- Irfan Pathan has thrown his support behind young pacer Harshit Rana for inclusion in India's playing XI for the first T20I against Australia. The former all-rounder believes Rana deserves a chance after impressing with his all-round contributions - showcasing composure with the ball and handy lower-order batting during the ODI series. The young paceman, who was under the scanner before the start of the series, made a valuable contribution lower down the order - 24* in the second ODI, while running riot with the ball in Sydney with a four-wicket haul to play a crucial role in India's win there.

Pathan believes Rana's late cameo in the second ODI has strengthened his case for selection in the T20I series. The former all-r...