New Delhi: Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra ha suggested that Harshit Rana’s ODI debut against England indicates Jasprit Bumrah’s unavailability for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy.
Speaking on his YouTube Channel, Chopra analysed the selection move, stating that the pacer’s inclusion has further delayed Arshdeep Singh’s comeback in the format.
“Harshit Rana’s debut tells me there are minimal chances of Jasprit Bumrah being available for the Champions Trophy,” Chopra remarked. “If Bumrah is not there and you have to take Harshit as he is ahead of [Mohammed] Siraj at the moment, playing him without a debut would make your heart beat fast.”
Harshit Rana is on fire, bowling rockets at Nagpur! If Bumrah isn’t fit in time for the Champions Trophy, Rana deserves a spot in the squad. I take back my earlier thoughts on him being selected due to Gautam Gambhir.#INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/Ky7ggMGJFQ
— Harsh 17 (@harsh03443) February 6, 2025
Rana, who made his debut alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal in the first ODI in Nagpur on Thursday, returned figures of 3/53 in seven overs. India bowled out England for 248 before chasing the target down with four wickets in hand and 68 balls to spare.
Chopra also raised concerns about Arshdeep Singh’s prospects in ODI cricket. “When will you get Arshdeep to make a comeback in ODI cricket? That is still a question looming large because he too hasn’t played for a long time. However, Harshit’s debut gives me an indication that Bumrah might not be there,” he added.
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