Pacer Harshit Rana is unlikely to be included in India’s playing XI for their opening match of the 2025 Champions Trophy against Bangladesh on February 20 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Harshit was named as a replacement for Jasprit Bumrah in India’s 15-member squad after Bumrah failed to recover in time from a lower back injury. However, according to a PTI report, he is unlikely to start in India’s first match of the tournament.
Instead, left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh is expected to partner veteran pacer Mohammad Shami in India’s pace attack for the opening game. Arshdeep, who has played just nine ODIs, has taken 14 wickets at an impressive average of 23.00 and an economy rate of 5.17. His experience at the international level is likely to give him the edge over Harshit.
Harshit Rana’s White-Ball International Career So Far
Harshit Rana is still in the early stages of his international career, having played just one T20I and three ODIs. The young pacer made his T20I debut against England at home, where he impressed despite conceding runs, finishing with figures of 3/33 in four overs.
India’s Top 5 Wicket-Takers in Champions Trophy History Featuring Sachin Tendulkar
His ODI debut came in the first match of the three-game series against England in Nagpur, where he took three wickets, dismissing Ben Duckett, Harry Brook, and Liam Livingstone. However, he was expensive, conceding 53 runs in seven overs.
Overall, in his brief ODI career, Harshit has taken six wickets while conceding 146 runs at an average of 24.33 and an economy rate of 6.95. While he has proven to be a wicket-taker, his economy rate remains a concern.
With Jasprit Bumrah ruled out, the 23-year-old Harshit has big shoes to fill whenever he gets an opportunity in the tournament.
