India's Champions Trophy playing XI stuns fans: Harshit Rana over Arshdeep Singh against Bangladesh sparks debate

It's Champions Trophy 2025 time for India, and fans more or less expected which players would make it to the playing XI, especially with the injured Jasprit Bumrah not part of the squad. However, in their first game against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, it was revealed that Harshit Rana had made it into the playing XI.

While fans were already skeptical about his inclusion in the Indian squad over Mohammed Siraj¡ªthe pacer widely regarded as India's second-best fast bowler after Jasprit Bumrah¡ªthe near-debutant was also picked ahead of Arshdeep Singh, who has been performing well with the ball in recent matches.

When u realise that aaj jassi bhai or I'm only believe in jassi bhai bolne wala dono nhi khelega ? #INDvBAN pic.twitter.com/Bfx8hW18Sx

¡ª Jyoti thakur (@tissavaasi06) February 20, 2025

Harshit Rana over Arshdeep Singh?

At the toss, Rohit Sharma said, "We played here a few years back, and we felt the ball comes on better under lights. Everything is looking good. Everyone is fit and ready to go. Let's hope we start well. There is no looking back¡ªevery game becomes very important in this tournament. Only Varun misses out from the last ODI we played, Jadeja comes back, Arshdeep misses out, and Shami returns."

The decision to exclude Arshdeep, despite his effectiveness as a left-arm pacer, remains unexplained, leaving fans puzzled. Indian skipper Rohit Sharma did not provide any clarity on why Harshit was chosen over Arshdeep.

Our Playing XI for #BANvIND ?

Updates ?? https://t.co/ggnxmdG0VK#TeamIndia |#ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/pKwRfCt2MR

¡ª BCCI (@BCCI) February 20, 2025

Speculation suggests that Harshit Rana's selection may be linked to his association with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), given head coach Gautam Gambhir's history of favoring KKR players. However, this theory remains unverified, and the exact reason behind Harshit's inclusion over Arshdeep is still unknown.

Fans react

Soon enough, fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their opinions on Harshit's inclusion in the team, especially considering he had only made his debut in the recent series against England.

One fan wrote: "INDIAN MANAGEMENT ISN'T EASY TO UNDERSTAND. Harshit Rana got selected in the squad as Bumrah¡¯s replacement ahead of M. Siraj (No Sense). Harshit Rana playing against BAN ahead of in-form left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh. (Can't Digest)."

INDIAN MANAGEMENT ISN'T EASY TO UNDERSTAND

- Harshit Rana got selected in the squad as Bumrah replacement ahead of M Siraj (No Sense)

- Harshit Rana playing against BAN ahead of inform left arm pacer Arshdeep Singh. (Can't Digest)#HarshitRana #ArshdeepSingh #INDvsBAN #INDvBAN pic.twitter.com/kck0GJkFRP

¡ª Priyanshu Kumar (@priyanshusports) February 20, 2025

Another posted: "Will never be able to understand how Harshit Rana is picked over Arshdeep."

Will never be able to understand how Harshit Rana is picked over Arshdeep #INDvBAN #ChampionsTrophy

¡ª Vansh (@CatsFurrever) February 20, 2025

One user commented: "As a commentator, Gambhir was quick to criticize the captain, ex-captains, coaches, and team management for favoritism. How is Harshit in the team then? Gambhir is a hypocrite and a negative guy! Also, it looks more like Gambhir's team than Rohit's!"

as a commentator gambhir was quick to criticise the captain,ex captains,coaches and team management on doing favouritism..how is harshit in the team then? gambhir is a hypocrite and a negative guy! also, it looks more like gambhir's team than rohit's!#INDvBAN

¡ª Divya (@Divya06317132) February 20, 2025

Another fan questioned: "I still don't know how Harshit is better than Arshdeep. Arshdeep bowled well in the last match against England. Who will take wickets in the powerplay today?"

I still don't know, How Harshit is better than Arshdeep, Arshdeep bowled well in last match against England, who will take wickets in powerplay today ??#INDvBAN#ICCChampionsTrophy

¡ª VK45 (@sportslovervk45) February 20, 2025

IND vs BAN Teams:

Bangladesh (Playing XI): Tanzid Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto(c), Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim(w), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman

India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli , Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul(w), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav

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