Arshdeep Singh or Harshit Rana: Who Will Lead India’s Pace Attack in the Champions Trophy Opener?

Updated On: February 17, 2025 6:47 pm

Arshdeep Singh vs Harshit Rana: Who Will Lead India’s Pace Attack in the Champions Trophy Opener?

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is just around the corner, and the Indian cricket team is gearing up for their opening clash against Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai. With Jasprit Bumrah ruled out due to a back injury, the spotlight is on India’s pace attack. The big question is: Will it be Arshdeep Singh or Harshit Rana who partners Mohammed Shami in the playing XI?

Recent reports suggest that Arshdeep Singh is likely to get the nod over Harshit Rana for the opener. But why is this the case? What makes Arshdeep the preferred choice, and what does this mean for Harshit’s future? Let’s dive into the details and explore the dynamics of India’s pace attack ahead of the high-stakes tournament.

The Battle of the Pacers: Arshdeep vs Harshit

Arshdeep Singh: The Left-Arm Advantage

Arshdeep Singh, the 25-year-old left-arm pacer from Punjab, has been a consistent performer for India in white-ball cricket. With 14 wickets in 9 ODIs at an impressive economy rate of 5.17, Arshdeep brings a unique dimension to India’s bowling attack. His ability to swing the ball both ways, especially during the Powerplay, makes him a valuable asset in Dubai’s conditions.

Former national selector Devang Gandhi highlighted Arshdeep’s versatility, stating, “If I had to choose one among the two as Mohammed Shami’s partner, it has to be Arshdeep. He can swing the ball both ways and is a left-armer.” This left-arm angle adds variety to India’s attack, which could prove crucial against Bangladesh’s right-handed heavy lineup.

Harshit Rana: The Rising Star

Harshit Rana, on the other hand, is a raw talent with immense potential. The 23-year-old Delhi pacer made his ODI debut in the recent series against England, where he picked up 6 wickets in 3 matches. Known for his hit-the-deck bowling and ability to extract bounce, Harshit has impressed with his aggressive style. However, his economy rate of 6.95 has raised concerns about his consistency.

**When Harshit Rana make their ODI debuts for India** **| Image Credit: BCCI**

Despite his promising performances, Harshit is unlikely to feature in the opener. The team management seems to value Arshdeep’s experience and control, especially in high-pressure ICC events. As WV Raman, former India opener, pointed out, “Experience will be a key factor in ICC events, and Arshdeep has the edge.”

Why Arshdeep is the Preferred Choice

Experience in ICC Events: Arshdeep has been part of India’s T20 World Cup campaigns and has shown the ability to handle pressure in big matches. His experience in multi-nation tournaments gives him an edge over Harshit.
Economy and Control: With an economy rate of 5.17, Arshdeep is more economical than Harshit, who tends to leak runs. In a tournament where every run counts, this could be a decisive factor.
Left-Arm Variety: Arshdeep’s left-arm angle provides a different challenge for batters, especially in the Powerplay. This versatility makes him a valuable asset in Dubai’s conditions.

Harshit Rana’s Future: A Talent in Waiting

While Harshit may miss out on the opener, his future looks bright. The young pacer has already made a mark with his aggressive bowling and wicket-taking ability. His performances in the IPL and domestic cricket have earned him a place in the national squad, and he is seen as a long-term prospect for India.

Arshdeep Singh likely to start in the opening match of Champions Trophy.

– Harshit Rana unlikely to play. (PTI). pic.twitter.com/w6iOvcv5XT
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 17, 2025

Head coach Gautam Gambhir, who has been a strong advocate for Harshit, believes in his potential. However, in a high-stakes tournament like the Champions Trophy, the team management is likely to prioritize experience over raw talent.

What to Expect in the Opener

India’s opening match against Bangladesh will be a test of their bowling depth. With Arshdeep likely to partner Shami, the focus will be on exploiting the early swing and keeping the runs in check. Bangladesh’s batting lineup, led by Litton Das and Shakib Al Hasan, will pose a significant challenge, but India’s balanced attack has the tools to counter them.

The decision to play Arshdeep over Harshit reflects India’s balanced approach to team selection. While Arshdeep’s experience and control make him the safer choice, Harshit’s raw talent ensures he remains a strong contender for future matches.

As the Champions Trophy unfolds, all eyes will be on India’s pace attack to deliver in crunch moments. Whether it’s Arshdeep’s swing or Harshit’s bounce, one thing is certain: India’s bowling unit is ready to fire on all cylinders.

So, who do you think should lead India’s pace attack? Arshdeep or Harshit? Let us know in the comments below!