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Cheteshwar Pujara would like to see Arshdeep Singh change Harshit Rana for India’s 2025 Champions Trophy match in opposition to Pakistan however admits it will be unfair to Rana, who impressed in opposition to Bangladesh.
Arshdeep Singh. (Image Credit score: PTI)
Cheteshwar Pujara would like to see ‘X-factor’ left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh change Harshit Rana in India’s 11 for Sunday’s conflict in opposition to Pakistan within the 2025 Champions Trophy however is aware of it will be ‘unfair’ on the younger bowling all-rounder. Pujara admitted that India will most likely not make any modifications after beating Bangladesh within the match opener, including that he’d nonetheless need Arshdeep to get an opportunity quickly.
Rana, who made his ODI debut solely earlier this month, began forward of T20 World Cup-winner Arshdeep in opposition to Bangladesh. He impressed on his ICC white-ball match debut too, taking three wickets in a spell of lower than eight overs.
“Harshit has been bowling rather well however for me, I feel Arshdeep is the X-factor,” Pujara stated in an unique chat with News18’s Anand Narasimhan. “If he can get a chance… I don’t assume there can be any modifications within the squad however one change I’d like to see at some stage is Arshdeep getting a chance to play within the 11. I’d wish to (for Harshit to take a seat out for Arshdeep) however it’ll be unfair on Harshit.”
“Look if in case you have most well-liked him within the first sport, it’s worthwhile to proceed with him, he has bowled effectively in opposition to Bangladesh, you possibly can’t make that change. From the cricketing perspective, you can also make that change however going ahead on this Champions Trophy, at some stage, I’d need Arshdeep taking part in within the 11,” he added.
Having damaged by to the Indian staff only some months in the past, Arshdeep hasn’t performed many ODIs both however has a wonderful report to this point: 14 wickets in 9 matches at a mean of 23.
Pujara added that contemplating his skill within the powerplay overs and on the demise, he was shocked that the left-arm fast didn’t begin in opposition to Bangladesh.
“He’s somebody who’s a top quality bowler and I’m a little bit shocked that he’s not a part of the squad as a result of contemplating the type of pitches that we’re taking part in on, he brings within the swing early on and has a great slower ball, which can be very efficient on Dubai’s pitches,” Pujara stated.