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Harshit Rana misses out from the India vs New Zealand CT 2025 clash on Sunday

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Why is Harshit Rana not playing India vs New Zealand match? Check India playing XI

Harshit Rana misses out from the India vs New Zealand CT 2025 clash on Sunday (Credits: BCCI/X)

In a crucial news development, Team India are not playing their speedster Harshit Rana during the last group stage clash of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 against New Zealand taking place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai. India have performed really well so far in this 50-overs competition registering comprehensive back-to-back victories over Bangladesh and Pakistan. On the other hand, both India and New Zealand have already qualified for the semi-finals of the tournament, but they will want to continue their winning streak ahead of the knockouts. 

Why is Harshit Rana not playing India vs New Zealand Champions Trophy 2025 clash?

After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, Indian captain Rohit Sharma revealed that Harshit Rana is not part of the India playing XI during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash against New Zealand on Sunday. Rohit further stated that this is only a tactical change as the Men in Blue have included mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy in the side. While talking about Rana's performance in this tournament so far, the right-arm fast bowler picked up as many as three wickets in the first game against Bangladesh. Harshit also took a wicket in the last match against Pakistan having conceded just 30 runs in his 7.4 overs. 

On the other hand, India have taken a very bold decision as they are playing a total of four spinners, namely Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav. During the previous game against Pakistan in Dubai, India's spin trio of Kuldeep, Axar and Jadeja took as many as 5 wickets between them. It will also be really interesting to see how Chakravarthy performs at the biggest stage. 

"Was anyway looking to bat first, wanted to see what we could do upfront and then challenge our bowlers since we chased on both games. Approach will be very similar to the previous games, just trying to do the same things. One change for us - Harshit has been rested, Varun is playing for us. It is all about bowling in partnerships, in both games we have combined to pick 19 wickets. Our spinners have restricted them well and then the seamers have got the wickets," said Indian captain Rohit Sharma during the toss. 

India playing XI

Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul(w), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy.

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