Will Rohit Sharma Swap Kuldeep Yadav for Harshit Rana in India’s Playing XI for the Champions Trophy 2025 Final?
The much-anticipated Champions Trophy 2025 final is set to take place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. India, the only unbeaten team in the tournament, will take on New Zealand in what promises to be a high-pressure contest. While India defeated New Zealand in the group stage, the final presents a fresh challenge. One major question ahead of the match is whether Kuldeep Yadav should retain his place in the playing XI.
Kuldeep Yadav’s Form Under the Scanner
Kuldeep Yadav has struggled to make a significant impact in this tournament. He has taken just five wickets in four matches, with an average of 36.60. Two of those dismissals came against tail-enders. His performances in recent ICC knockouts have also raised concerns. In the 2023 ODI World Cup final, the 2024 T20 World Cup final, and the semifinal against Australia in this tournament, he went wicketless.
India already has strong spin options in Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, and Varun Chakravarthy. Dropping Kuldeep for a fast bowler could offer better balance, especially against a New Zealand side that plays spin well.
Why Harshit Rana Deserves a Spot
Harshit Rana impressed in the group stage, picking up four wickets in two matches at an average of 15.25. His economy rate of 3.98 shows he can maintain pressure in key overs. His pace and bounce could trouble New Zealand’s top order, especially on a Dubai pitch that might offer early seam movement.
Bringing Rana back into the XI could give India an aggressive edge with the ball during the powerplay, a phase where early breakthroughs can shift momentum.
India’s Probable XI vs New Zealand:
Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy.
With the Champions Trophy 2025 final on the horizon, the selection dilemma between Kuldeep Yadav and Harshit Rana could be a key talking point. Will India stick with spin, or will a pace-heavy attack lead them to another ICC title?
