ICC Champions Trophy: Arshdeep Singh likely ahead of Harshit Rana in pecking order

India looks strong but not entirely flawless as they gear up for the ICC Champions Trophy. Dashing the apprehensions around the batting performances, the team has done well in the India vs England ODI series to announce a fit batting order. However, the bowling department has the momentous task of coping with the absence of their guaranteed match-winner, Jasprit Bumrah. Failing to recover in time from his back injury, Bumrah was finally ruled out of the squad on February 12. In a shocking move, the Indian management filled the void not with the experience of Mohammed Siraj but with the surprising trust they have instilled in the raw Harshit Rana.

Arshdeep Singh favored over Harshit Rana in India Playing 11 for ICC Champions Trophy

Harshit Rana was handed his ODI debut in the India vs England series, the preceding tournament to the ICC Champions Trophy. With clear backing from head coach Gautam Gambhir, Rana has now debuted for India across formats. Moreover, the young seamer got to play all the matches in the series, with Arshdeep Singh getting only a single game. The moves were questionable, as Bumrah's fitness issue was present way before February 12. Instead of going for the seasoned Mohammed Siraj, the management first added Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana to the squad. Next, Harshit Rana got the time in the series while Arshdeep, poised as the primary option in Bumrah's absence, warmed the bench.

However, it seems like it’s only so far that a certain backing can lead a player. The latest reports from the Indian camp suggest that Arshdeep is likely to open the attack for India in the ICC Champions Trophy. While Arshdeep himself has played only 9 ODIs in his career so far, the seamer has been in sensational form in the shorter format. Moreover, his experience, though not much, but definitely more than Rana’s, puts him ahead of Gambhir's pupil in the selection race. Rana played all three India vs England ODI matches, returning figures of 3/53 in Nagpur, 1/62 in Cuttack, and 2/31 in Ahmedabad. However, despite his promising start, he is expected to miss out on India’s initial XI for the marquee event unless there’s a last-minute change in plans. 

"Harshit Rana has been the flavour of the season as far as India's emerging crop of fast bowlers is concerned but one of head coach Gautam Gambhir's finds is unlikely to start in India's playing eleven in the Champions Trophy with Arshdeep Singh still considered way ahead in terms of talent and quality," the report stated.

Meanwhile, Mohammed Shami, who marked his return to the international scene through the India vs England series is a sure prospect. Though he didn't look at his best during the ODIs against England at home, Shami's experience, especially in ICC events would be crucial factor in India's campaign in Dubai. With a challenging group stage ahead, featuring Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand, India cannot afford to take any risks. Even a single defeat in the ICC Champions Trophy is enough to rule out a team from the Champions Trophy. Thus, India cannot take the hit-and-trial method to find their best Playing 11 in the tournament.