'That is still a question looming large' - Aakash Chopra on Harshit Rana playing ahead of Arshdeep Singh

Former Indian opener-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra has opened up on Harshit Rana’s inclusion in the Indian squad ahead of Arshdeep Singh, believing that the young pacer’s ODI debut could be an indication of Jasprit Bumrah’s potential unavailability for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Rana was handed his maiden ODI cap in the first match of the three-match series against England in Nagpur on February 6.

India opted to field two debutants in the opening ODI, Rana and Yashasvi Jaiswal. While the opener's selection led to a shuffle in the batting order, it was Rana’s inclusion in the bowling attack that grabbed attention. Chopra, speaking on his YouTube channel, questioned whether Rana’s debut implied that Team India was already looking for a backup fast bowler for the Champions Trophy, considering Bumrah’s uncertain availability.

"Harshit Rana's debut tells me there are minimal chances of Jasprit Bumrah being available for the Champions Trophy. You are thinking that if Bumrah is not there in the Champions Trophy and you have to take Harshit, because he is ahead of (Mohammed) Siraj at the moment, taking him without his debut will make your heart beat fast," he said.    

The former also expressed his concerns about Arshdeep’s delayed return to the ODI setup, despite him doing well in the white-ball for over two years.

"When will you get Arshdeep to make a comeback in ODI cricket, that is still a question looming large because he too hasn't played an ODI for a long time. However, Harshit's debut gives me an indication that Bumrah might not be there," he added.

Also Read: 'People will always talk. I'm not bothered' - Harshit Rana after memorable ODI debut against England

The playing XI brought more questions than it answered: Aakash Chopra

Despite an underwhelming start to his spell, where he conceded 26 runs in an over to Phil Salt, Rana made a strong comeback. He registered figures of 3/53 in seven overs, dismissing Ben Duckett, Harry Brook, and Liam Livingstone. 

Apart from the selection of Rana, Chopra also pointed out the host's decision to open with Jaiswal while demoting Shubman Gill to No. 3. He confessed that this decision shows the team is not considering Rishabh Pant for a top-order role.

"Yashasvi Jaiswal's debut tells you that they are not looking towards or thinking about Rishabh Pant at all. Yashasvi Jaiswal opening after making his debut, and Shubman Gill going to No. 3, I personally didn't like it because there is no place in the top three. So why a debut for Yashasvi? He is a very good player. I love him to bits but there is no place. You could have possibly put Rishabh Pant in the middle. You could have done a two-horse race between Rishabh Pant and Rahul. The playing XI brought more questions than it answered," Chopra concluded.