The plan for Jasprit Bumrah has received a negative response, with critics pointing out, “We’re told Rana is Dube’s replacement.”
The Indian team management faces a challenging dilemma as uncertainty looms over Jasprit Bumrah's availability for the Champions Trophy, with the squad deadline fast approaching. Bumrah has reportedly joined the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for
The Indian team management faces a challenging dilemma as uncertainty looms over Jasprit Bumrah’s availability for the Champions Trophy, with the squad deadline fast approaching. Bumrah has reportedly joined the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for rehabilitation, where the medical team is assessing his condition to determine his match fitness for the tournament, which begins on February 19. Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) must formulate a backup plan in case he fails to secure a fitness clearance. Reports suggest that Gautam Gambhir has identified young Delhi pacer Harshit Rana as a potential replacement. Rana, who made his international debut during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia last year, was preferred over Arshdeep Singh in the playing XI for the first two ODIs against England.
However, former India opener Aakash Chopra is skeptical of Gambhir and Rohit Sharma’s contingency plan. He believes that if Bumrah is unavailable, the team will need a significant strategic shift rather than simply slotting in a direct replacement.
“India will have to rethink their entire approach if Bumrah isn’t available. A solid pivot is necessary, and they must acknowledge that. If they insist that merely replacing Bumrah with Harshit Rana is enough, will the team truly be prepared?” Chopra remarked on his YouTube channel.
The cricketer-turned-commentator further emphasized that Rana is not yet ready to step into Bumrah’s role. Despite taking four wickets in the first two ODIs against England, he lacks the experience and impact of India’s pace spearhead.
“It just doesn’t feel right. It’s like needing a suit for a wedding and realizing it’s not ready in time. If Bumrah isn’t there, a lot of alternative options will open up. One of them might be Harshit Rana’s inclusion in the squad, but is that enough?” he added.
“Jasprit Bumrah Cannot Be a Like-for-Like Replacement for Shivam Dube”
Chopra also pointed out that Rana was recently chosen as a like-for-like replacement for Shivam Dube during the T20I series against England as a concussion substitute. He questioned the logic behind considering Rana as an ideal alternative for Bumrah.
“That won’t solve the problem because Bumrah and Harshit Rana are not like-for-like replacements. We were earlier told that Harshit Rana is a like-for-like substitute for Shivam Dube. But Jasprit Bumrah cannot be a like-for-like replacement for Shivam Dube,” Chopra concluded.
