Former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan has backed Harshit Rana to keep his place in India's Playing XI for the second ODI against England at Cuttack. Harshit Rana was the surprise inclusion for the first ODI ahead of Arshdeep Singh.
It is to be noted that Arshdeep is in India's Champions Trophy squad while Rana isn't a part of it yet. Rana was included in the ODIs against England just as the cover for Jasprit Bumrah, who is still racing against time to be fit for the Champions Trophy.
In the absence of Bumrah, Arshdeep was expected to partner Mohammed Shami with the new ball. However, the Indian team management decided to give Harshit Rana his ODI debut and the fast bowler responded with an impressive bowling performance.
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During a discussion on Cricbuzz, Zaheer Khan spoke about India's possible changes in the second ODI of the series. Zaheer feels that India wouldn't make any changes except bringing Virat Kohli back into the Playing XI.
"Keeping the next game in mind, if Virat (Kohli) is fit and available, he will come into the playing XI. That's the only change that I am seeing. I think they would want to finish the series and then look at making other changes," Zaheer said.
Virat Kohli was expected to play the first ODI but suffered a knee injury a day prior to the match. With Kohli unavailable, India played Yashasvi Jaiswal as an opener while Shubman Gill dropped down to No. 3.
Zaheer Khan backs Harshit Rana for 2nd ODI
Further speaking in the same discussion, Zaheer Khan wants Mohammed Shami to keep playing as he needs game time. Zaheer also predicted Harshit Rana to keep his spot after an impressive debut outing at Nagpur.
"(Mohammed) Shami playing is very important because he came back from injury, so game time is very important for him. I think Shami will play all three games. Harshit had a good debut, so I do not see that change either," the LSG mentor added.
If Rana keeps his place, it will mean no place for Arshdeep Singh in the Playing XI for the second time in a row. Arshdeep has played 8 ODIs so far and his last match in this format was way back in August 2024 in Sri Lanka. He was brought into the squad for his death bowling skills.
Harshit Rana's impressive ODI debut
Harshit Rana had an adventurous debut at Nagpur which finally ended up on an impressive note. The 23-year-old quick went for 37 runs in his first three overs with Phil Salt taking him for 26 runs in the third over of his spell.
However, he came back strongly by picking up the big wickets of Ben Duckett and Harry Brook in the first over of his next spell. It put the brakes on England's scoring and helped in changing the momentum.
Rana picked up another wicket later in the form of Liam Livingstone to dent England's hopes further of reaching a big target. He finished with impressive figures of 3-53 in 7 overs. Although he was expensive, he was successful in restricting England to a substantial total with three big wickets.
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