3 Players Who Could Be Dropped If Harshit Rana Joins India’s Champions Trophy Squad
With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 set to begin on February 19, all eyes are on India’s squad selection. The Men in Blue have announced their squad, but changes can still happen before February 11.
One rising star who could force his way in is Harshit Rana. He took three wickets in his ODI debut. He also did well in T20I and has a solid List A record. So, selectors may think about adding him to the squad.
If Jasprit Bumrah doesn’t recover in time, Rana could be a direct replacement. However, if selectors want both Bumrah and Rana, one of the current squad members will have to make way. Here are three players who could be at risk.
1. Arshdeep Singh
Among India’s pacers, Arshdeep Singh is the most likely to miss out if Harshit Rana is added.
India’s Champions Trophy squad has just three frontline seamers. In the first ODI against England, only two pacers played. This points to a spin-heavy strategy.
Why Arshdeep Singh Could Be Dropped?
- Limited ODI experience: 12 wickets in 8 matches.
- Top players in competition: Mohammed Shami has 195 wickets in 101 ODIs. Jasprit Bumrah has 149 wickets in 89 ODIs. Both are essential to the team.
- Wasn’t picked in the first ODI vs. England, indicating he may already be out of favor.
Harshit Rana is proving to be a strong all-format pacer. So, Arshdeep might lose his spot if the selectors choose another fast bowler.
2. Washington Sundar
Washington Sundar’s ODI record isn’t great. With three spinners already in the squad, he may be left out.
His skill to bat lower in the order is a plus. However, his wicket-taking ability in ODIs is still uncertain.
Washington Sundar’s ODI Record:
- Matches: 22
- Wickets: 23
- Bowling Average: 27.17
- Batting Average: 26.06 (1 half-century)
Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja have been reliable with bat and ball in white-ball cricket.
Sundar did not play in the first ODI against England. This might mean he is low in the pecking order.
3. Axar Patel
India’s squad has three spin-bowling all-rounders. This puts Axar Patel’s position at risk if the management wants to add more variety to the bowling attack.
Axar brings left-arm spin and can bat well, but Ravindra Jadeja has a stronger record. This might give Jadeja the advantage.
Stat Comparison: Jadeja vs. Axar (ODIs)
| Player | Matches | Runs | Batting Avg | Wickets | Bowling Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ravindra Jadeja | 198 | 2732 | 32.42 | 223 | 36.15 |
| Axar Patel | 61 | 481 | 19.58 | 65 | 32.18 |
Jadeja has done well in past Champions Trophy editions. He took 16 wickets in 10 matches. In the first ODI against England, Jadeja took three wickets. Axar got just one. This performance boosted Jadeja’s standing.
If selectors prefer an off-spinner like Washington Sundar, Axar might be the one to miss out.
Harshit Rana is making a strong case for selection. So, India’s Champions Trophy squad could have some last-minute changes. Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Arshdeep Singh could be in trouble if Rana joins the team.
Will India take a bold call and include the young pacer? The final squad announcement before February 11 will provide the answer.
