Harshit Rana tagged as India's gamechanger for Champions Trophy 2025; Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma forgotten

Former India opening batter Shikhar Dhawan raised concerns about star pacer Jasprit Bumrah's absence during the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025. However, Dhawan was excited about Harshit Rana's inclusion in the squad and added the young pacer could make a major impact in the event.

Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy 2025 due to a back spasm sustained during the fifth and final Test against Australia in Sydney. The right-arm fast bowler was initially included in the 15-member squad but did not receive fitness clearance from the National Cricket Academy (NCA).

Harshit Rana Replaces Injured Jasprit Bumrah in Champions Trophy Squad

Harshit Rana replaced Jasprit Bumrah in the squad for the marquee tournament. Rana made his debut for India in the 50-over format during the recently concluded three-match ODI series against England, where he impressed by taking six wickets.

The Delhi bowler is one of the three pacers in India’s 15-member squad, along with Mohammed Shami and Arshdeep Singh. India is placed in Group A with Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh. They will begin their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 and conclude the league stage on March 2.

Jasprit Bumrah Is the Best Bowler in the World - Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan said that India will miss Jasprit Bumrah and added that they will feel his absence very strongly. Dhawan described Bumrah as the "best bowler in the world". He predicted that Rana could have a breakout tournament.

"My concern is they are going to miss Jasprit Bumrah, there is no doubt he will be a big absence and I think they will feel it very strongly. For me, he is the best bowler in the world, and his accuracy is hard to replicate. He is also a very calm character and that is crucial in a huge ICC event like this," Dhawan wrote in his column for the ICC.

"At the same time, Harshit Rana has come into the side and I think that is really exciting – keep an eye on him, I think he could have a breakout tournament," he added.

I Am Sure He Will Look to Seize This Opportunity - Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan said that he likes Harshit Rana's fearless attitude, adding that he is always ready to take on challenges. Having played alongside Rana for Delhi in domestic cricket, Dhawan believes this quality sets him apart. He is confident that Rana will seize the opportunity, calling him an X-factor.

"I like his attitude, he is a go-getter and he is not afraid of anything. He accepts challenges and we have seen in the England series that he is in form. I am sure he will look to seize this opportunity and, if he does, he could provide a real x-factor for India," said Dhawan.

Harshit Rana was a standout performance in IPL 2024 for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). His impressive showing earned him a spot in India's Test squad, where he made his debut in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.

Also read: Mohammad Nabi makes a U-turn on his ODI retirement for Afghanistan after Champions Trophy 2025