Why Harshit Rana Isn’t Playing in Today’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 1st Semi-Final Against Australia?
By Smrati Khare in 2 hours
India takes on Australia in the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 1st Semi-Final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on March 4. However, one major talking point ahead of the match is the absence of young pacer Harshit Rana from India’s playing XI. Additionally, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has prepared a fresh pitch for this high-stakes clash, making the team selection even more crucial.
Why Is Harshit Rana Not Playing?
Rana has been left out because the pitch is expected to help the spinners. In the last game against New Zealand, Varun Chakravarthy picked up five wickets which helped India win the game while defending 249. Despite a new pitch being used for the semi-final against Australia, once again it is expected to aid spin bowling. That’s why, Hardik Pandya continues to be the second seamer along with Mohammed Shami. Varun keeps his place which means that Harshit Rana misses out.
Key Reasons for Harshit Rana’s Absence
Experience Over Youth – India has selected a more experienced bowling attack for this knockout match.
Pitch Change & Spin-Friendly Conditions – The fresh Dubai pitch is expected to assist spinners, making Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav crucial.
Balancing the Squad – India’s combination ensures a strong pace-spin attack suited to the revised pitch conditions.
Fresh Pitch at Dubai International Cricket Stadium
The ICC has introduced a fresh pitch for the semi-final, aiming to provide a balanced contest between bat and ball.
The previous matches at Dubai have favored spinners, and this pitch is expected to behave similarly.
India has excelled on slow and dry surfaces, with spinners playing a major role in their success.
Australia’s batting lineup will have to counter India’s strong spin attack, which could be a decisive factor.
India’s Playing XI for the 1st Semi-Final vs Australia
Rohit Sharma (C)
Shubman Gill
Virat Kohli
Shreyas Iyer
Kl Rahul (WK)
Hardik Pandya
Ravindra Jadeja
Kuldeep Yadav
Axar Patel
Varun Chakaravarthy
Mohammed Shami
India has chosen Axar Patel, and Varun Chakaravarthy to handle the pace attack, while Jadeja and Kuldeep are expected to be the key weapons on the spin-friendly surface.
How Do Pitch Changes & Rana’s Absence Impact India?
India’s bowling attack is well-suited for the fresh Dubai pitch.
Spinners are expected to play a crucial role in the middle overs.
Rana’s absence ensures a balanced attack, prioritizing experience over experimentation.
Australia, however, will need to counter India’s spin while relying on batters like Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, and Marcus Stoinis to handle the middle overs effectively.
India’s Road Ahead in Champions Trophy 2025
India remains one of the favorites to lift the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, having delivered dominant performances throughout the tournament.
A win against Australia today would secure their spot in the final, setting up an opportunity to claim another ICC title. With the right combination of pace, spin, and experience, India looks well-prepared for this challenge.
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