Ahead of India’s Champions Trophy opener, a report has provided an insight into India’s pace combination for their game against Bangladesh. The Men in Blue will take on the Tigers in their opening game of the marquee tournament on February 20. As per a report, Arshdeep Singh is expected to make it to the playing XI while a rookie pacer sits out.
Arshdeep to play ahead of Harshit in Champions Trophy opener
As per news agency PTI, Arshdeep is expected to be picked ahead of Harshit Rana in the playing XI for the IND vs BAN clash in Champions Trophy. The southpaw was picked ahead of veteran Mohammed Siraj, with skipper Rohit Sharma justifying the decision by pointing out at his ability to deliver with the new ball. Both Harshit and Arshdeep are relatively inexperienced in ODIs, landing India in a dilemma, with Jasprit Bumrah being ruled out of the tournament.
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Depsite being one of India’s highest wicket-taker in T20Is, Arshdeep is pretty much inexperienced in ODIs. In nine 50-over format games that he has played so far, he has 14 wickets to his name and averages 23. He played just one out of the three IND vs ENG ODIs, where he picked up 2 wickets and conceded 33 runs.
Meanwhile, Harshit Rana made his ODI debut in the same IND vs ENG ODI series. He was named in India’s Champions Trophy squad as a last-minute replacement for an injured Bumrah. Depsite being fast-tracked across all formats since IPL 2024, the Delhi pacer is relatively inexperienced. In the recently-concluded ODI series, he managed to bag six wickets from three matches. However, he was a tad bit expensive.
If picked ahead of Rana, then Arshdeep will partner with Mohammed Shami with the new ball in the opening game of Champions Trophy. India will bank on the left-right combo to wreak havoc on the opposition. But it would be a bet to take, since Shami is still not bowling in full tilt following his return while Arshdeep is inexperienced in the format.
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