TOP STORIES
"Harshit Rana doesn't fit the bill yet": Former Indian cricketer questions Arshdeep's exclusion from 1st T20I
The exclusion of Arshdeep Singh from the playing XI in the first T20I between India and Australia has sparked disappointment. For the first T20I against Australia on Wednesday, India went with Jasprit Bumrah and Harshit Rana as their specialist pacers, while Arshdeep was left to warm the bench. Despite being the only Indian pacer to cross 100 T20I wickets, Arshdeep often finds himself out of the XI. The explanation offered was that this was a tactical decision aimed at strengthening batting depth rather than resting Arshdeep or managing workload.
Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra was left frustrated by Arshdeep's exclusion in the first T20I. He felt that dropping Arshdeep Singh in favour of Harshit Rana doesn't make any sense.
"It's quite baffling that India's highest T20I wicket-taker can't find a place in the playing XI-even in Australia. Of course, it didn't happen in the UAE for the Asia Cup. What are the chances of him playing in the World Cup? That's the first thought that crosses the mind. The biggest takeaway is the philosophy with which this team has been playing for a while-that you need somebody who can bat at No. 8," Aakash Chopra said on ESPN Cricinfo.
"In this case, Harshit Rana was picked ahead of Arshdeep Singh not because of his bowling ability, but just because of his batting. You could possibly understand if there were a better, more capable batter playing at No. 8. But the sample size we have of Harshit Rana's batting ability is not big enough to actually suggest that he is a batter who can deliver regularly at No. 8. Harshit Rana doesn't fit the bill yet."
Meanwhile, the first T20I between India and Australia was washed out due to persistent rainfall in Canberra. Both sides will now meet on Friday in the second game at the MCG.
Tags
More News
"We keep talking about developing him": Indian coach gives brutal assessment of Nitish Reddy's performance
Indian assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate gave an honest assessment in the wake of India’s defeat in the second ODI against New Zealand on Wednesday in Rajkot. Doeschate spoke candidly on all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy’s performances while also flagging concerns about captain Rohit Sharma’s match readiness.
Reddy, who was the only change in India’s playing XI for the seco...
Canada unveil T20 World Cup 2026 squad
Canada have unveiled their 15-player squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026. All-rounder Dilpreet Bajwa has been named captain and will lead the side as they look to make an impact on the global stage.
Canada are featuring in Group D, alongside South Africa, New Ze...
Pakistan to host Australia ahead of T20I World Cup 2026
Pakistan are set to host Australia in a three-match T20I series in the build-up to the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The series will be crucial for both sides in their preparations for the global event.
This will also mark Australia’s return to T20 cricket in Pakistan after a four-year gap. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium ...
WPL 2026: Struggling UP Warriorz lock horns with high-flying MI
UP Warriorz and Mumbai Indians are ready to cross swords in the eighth match of the ongoing WPL 2026 encounter, scheduled to be played on Thursday in Navi Mumbai. Both sides head into the contest from contrasting positions on the points table. On one hand, UP Warriorz are still searching for a win, and on the other, Mumbai Indians are brimming with confidence w...
ACB limits players' availability to three foreign leagues per year
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has taken a massive step by approving a new policy that limits their players’ participation in overseas leagues. Under the decision, Afghan cricketers will be allowed to feature in only three international franchise leagues per year, in addition to competing in the board’s own upcoming five-team franchise-based T20 tournament.
"To prote...
Android App
iOS App
YouTube
Facebook
Instagram