”That is still a question looming large’- Aakash Chopra on Harshit Rana playing ahead of Arshdeep Singh

Aakash Chopra, a former Indian opener who is now a commentator, has discussed why Harshit Rana was selected for the Indian team before Arshdeep Singh. He thinks that the young pacer’s ODI debut may be a sign that Jasprit Bumrah won’t be available for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. In the opening game of the three-match series against England in Nagpur on February 6, Rana received his first ODI cap.

In the first ODI, India chose to field Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rana, both of whom were debutants. The batting order was shuffled by the opener’s selection, but what really caught people’s attention was Rana’s participation in the bowling attack. Considering Bumrah’s uncertain availability, Chopra asked on his YouTube channel if Rana’s debut meant that Team India was already searching for a backup fast bowler for the Champions Trophy.

“Jasprit Bumrah’s prospects of being available for the Champions Trophy are slim, based on Harshit Rana’s debut. Since Harshit is currently ahead of (Mohammed) Siraj, you are thinking that if Bumrah is not there at the Champions Trophy, you must select him. However, he said, “Taking him without his debut will make your heart race.”

Despite Arshdeep’s success in the white-ball for more than two years, the former also voiced his worries about his delayed comeback to the ODI setup.

Because he hasn’t played an ODI in a long time, it’s still unclear when Arshdeep will return to ODI cricket. But Harshit’s debut suggests to me that Bumrah may not be present,” he continued.

The starting lineup raised more queries than it resolved: Aakash Chopra

Rana made a tremendous comeback despite having a lacklustre start to his spell, giving up 26 runs in an over to Phil Salt. He dismissed Ben Duckett, Harry Brook, and Liam Livingstone while recording figures of 3/53 in seven overs.

Chopra criticised the host’s choice to open with Jaiswal and drop Shubman Gill to No. 3 in addition to Rana’s pick. He acknowledged that this choice indicates that Rishabh Pant is not being considered by the team for a top-order position.

“Yashasvi Jaiswal’s debut indicates that they are not considering or aiming for Rishabh Pant in any way. Shubman Gill moving to No. 3 and Yashasvi Jaiswal opening after making his debut both annoyed me because they didn’t place in the top three. So why Yashasvi’s debut? He plays really well.

Even though I adore him, there is nowhere for him. Rishabh Pant might have been positioned in the centre. Rahul and Rishabh Pant may have been in a two-horse race. Chopra came to the conclusion that the playing XI raised more questions than it did answers.