"Harshit Rana still playing" - Fans react as Arshdeep Singh excluded from India’s playing XI for Sydney ODI

Team India left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh was not included in the playing XI for the third and final ODI against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday, October 25. The team management has faced plenty of backlash and questions over the exclusion of Arshdeep and the selection of Harshit Rana.

Team India skipper Shubman Gill lost his third consecutive toss in the ongoing ODI series. However, Gill revealed that the side was happy with the outcome, as they too had planned to bowl first in the encounter in Sydney. The visitors made two changes to their lineup for the final match of the ODI series.

Prasidh Krishna Replaces Arshdeep in Playing XI for Sydney ODI

India made two changes to their lineup for the Sydney ODI. They included left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav and pacer Prasidh Krishna. Arshdeep's exclusion from the playing XI came as a surprise to fans and experts.

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Axar Patel and Washington Sundar were retained as spin-bowling all-rounders, while Kuldeep can provide the team with a wrist-spin option. Mohammed Siraj and Harshit Rana, alongside Krishna, form the three fast bowlers in the lineup.

On the other side, Australia made only one change to their winning combination. Nathan Ellis replaced Xavier Bartlett as the hosts looked to complete a clean sweep in the series.

BCCI Did Not Release Official Update on Arshdeep Singh’s Absence

The BCCI did not release an official update on Arshdeep's absence. However, fitness concerns seemed to play a role, as he had suffered cramps late in the Adelaide ODI and required medical attention. The management might have decided to rest him rather than risk further injury in a dead rubber.

Arshdeep had performed reasonably well in the series, claiming three wickets across two games at an average of 24 and an economy rate of 5.40.

On the other hand, Harshit Rana was included in the dead rubber. He had a tough outing in the first match at Perth, conceding 27 runs in four overs during the rain-affected game.

Rana scored 24 off 18 balls, with three boundaries, and shared a 37-run partnership with Arshdeep Singh during the second ODI. With the ball, Rana picked up two key wickets, including Travis Head and Matthew Short, and finished with figures of 2-59 from eight overs.

Fans React as Arshdeep Singh Excluded from India’s Playing XI for Sydney ODI

Arshdeep Singh - 2/41
Harshit Rana - 2/59

Arshdeep dropped in 3rd ODI vs Australia.
But Gautam Gambhir favourite Rana Play.
The players who perform well are being removed. The BCCI & Ajit Agarkar should look into this manner of Coach GG.

pic.twitter.com/eUTdFjFqqc

— MANU. (@IMManu_18) October 25, 2025

At what basis Harshit Rana playing instead of Arshdeep pic.twitter.com/Oeu1ABp7tc

— 𝐀𝐦𝐚𝐧. (@kingxAman18) October 25, 2025

Arshdeep Dropped but Rana Still playing? pic.twitter.com/dhxlzJAtVK

— Haydos🛡️ (@GovindIstOdraza) October 25, 2025

Btw Arshdeep Singh is dropped and the one with highest economy is still playing 👀

Prove that this isn't favouritism pic.twitter.com/zIicmITwrK

— Mumbai Indians FC (@MIPaltanFamily) October 25, 2025

Harshit Rana is ahead of Arshdeep Singh in pace bowling pecking order.

Welcome to Indian cricket under Gambhir and Gill. pic.twitter.com/9Dz9DKxMrM

— archith (@InswinginMenace) October 25, 2025

They dropped Arshdeep Singh over Harshit Rana. 😭 pic.twitter.com/WiwzT2Q8Lm

— Selfless⁴⁵ (@SelflessCricket) October 25, 2025

Harshit rana khud Arshdeep ko better bowler manega 😭 pic.twitter.com/vDrEKOIAYW

— . (@Rana_jatin_3) October 25, 2025

India dropped Arshdeep Singh, Who Picked more wickets than Siraj and Harshit in the previous two ODIs.

😷#AUSvIND

— 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) October 25, 2025

In the few chances Arshdeep got since Asia Cup, he won a Super Over game and was the best bowler in the ODIs in Australia

It's never easy to perform immediately after breaks and yet he's still giving his best

He's the first genuine match-winning left arm pacer India have had… pic.twitter.com/Ti8HMJiPfE

— SIVY 🇮🇳 (@Sivy_Raina3) October 25, 2025

Arshdeep Singh dropped but not Harshit Rana. Gambhir Gill duo is crossing every limit of shame.🙂 pic.twitter.com/QRHCycuTC1

— 𝐇𝐲𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐧 (@ImHydro45) October 25, 2025

Also read: ‘Virat Kohli has struggled in England…’: India coach’s ruthless verdict on batter’s horror show in Australia ODIs