![Harshit Rana has been picked over Mohammed Siraj [Source: AP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1739378068226_harshit_siraj(1).jpg?type=mq)
Harshit Rana has been picked over Mohammed Siraj [Source: AP]
There has been plenty of chatter about Harshit Rana stepping into the spotlight for the Champions Trophy 2025. Some folks had their eyes set on Mohammed Siraj for that spot.
Others thought Rana was a dark horse nobody saw coming. Truth be told, the young pacer’s performances have spoken for themselves. He bowls with fire in his belly and never shies away from a challenge. His journey has a whiff of something special. The hype is real. Let's analyze why was Harshit Rana picked and how he has justified his selection over Mohammed Siraj.
Coach Gambhir Connection
Gautam Gambhir is on the scene as the head coach of the Indian team. Some say his presence has nudged the door open for Rana. That’s a fair guess on the surface. But you can’t ignore what Harshit brings.
His pace can rattle batters. His knack for picking up wickets even after going for runs is like a habit he just can’t quit. The phrase 'fortune favours the brave' rings true with him. Whenever he’s clobbered for a few boundaries, he bounces back with a key wicket.
Siraj Slowing Down
Mohammed Siraj was once the toast of the town. He soared to number one in the ODI rankings. He ran hot like a steam engine in early 2023. But the wheels seemed to slow down in recent outings.
He took 20 wickets in five matches during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. That might sound good on paper but his average (31.15) climbed to a place he won’t be happy about. Maybe he needed a breather. Maybe team management saw something in practice. Sometimes you have to read between the lines.
Harshit Rana’s Stats Speak
Rana’s T20I debut against England was a coming-of-age story. Three wickets in one game showed he can handle pressure. Next, he bagged three more wickets in his ODI debut. Sure, he leaks runs, but let’s be honest, a wicket-taker is worth his weight in gold.
His overall ODI numbers look decent. He has snagged six wickets in three matches so far at an average (24.33) that’s nothing to sneeze at. An economy of 7.00 in modern cricket isn’t too shabby, especially if he keeps striking at regular intervals.
Why Rana Stands Out?
He’s the kind of bowler who hits the deck hard and forces the batters to make mistakes. That’s a rare skill these days. He might serve as the perfect third seamer. Arshdeep and Shami can do their thing, and Rana can step in to break a partnership when it’s starting to get dangerous. He’s also sharp in the field. That never hurts in a limited-overs tournament.
Conclusion
Rana’s journey is still in its early days. But every time he steps on the field, he seems to prove he belongs. Siraj’s star might rise again and he’s far from finished. Yet, for now, Harshit Rana looks like the right horse for this race. He’s bowling with heart, taking wickets, and keeping the dream alive. Sometimes, you have to roll the dice on a young gun who can turn the tide.
End of the day, Champions Trophy 2025 is a long tournament and anything can happen. But one thing’s for sure. Harshit Rana isn’t here to make up the numbers. He’s in it to show the cricketing world that he can pack a punch when it matters most. And boy, has he shown that so far.
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