Arshdeep Singh to Play in Champions Trophy Against Bangladesh, Harshit Rana Likely to Miss Out : Report
The ICC Champions Trophy will start on February 19. The tournament opening match is between the hosts Pakistan and New Zealand at Karachi. On February 20 the Indian team will play its first match against Bangladesh in Dubai.
The Indian team has already landed in Dubai and started its practice sessions for the Champions Trophy. According to a report on India's pace combination, Arshdeep Singh is expected to be part of the playing XI, while a new pacer may sit out.
According to the reports from the PTI, the star Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh will likely be chosen over the KKR star bowler Harshit Rana for the India vs Bangladesh match. The left-arm pacer was preferred over experienced bowler Mohammed Siraj.
Arshdeep Singh likely to start in the opening match of Champions Trophy.
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 17, 2025
- Harshit Rana unlikely to play. (PTI). pic.twitter.com/w6iOvcv5XT
Both Harshit and Arshdeep are new to ODIs. Harashit came as a replacement in the last minute, when Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out of the tournament. In the recent England series, Harshit Rana made his ODI debut and took six wickets in three matches.
Arshdeep is one of India's top wicket-takers in T20Is, but he is still new to the 50-over format. He played nine ODIs and he managed to take 14 wickets with an average of 23. If Arsshdeep is chosen over Rana, he will partner with the experienced bowler Mohammed Shami to open India's bowling in the Champions Trophy.
India's Champions Trophy Schedule
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| February 20 | India vs Bangladesh | Dubai |
| February 23 | India vs Pakistan | Dubai |
| March 2 | India vs New Zealand | Dubai |
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