IND vs BAN: Why Arshdeep Singh Is Not Playing Today’s Match vs Bangladesh in Champions Trophy 2025?

India and Bangladesh are facing each other in the second match of the Champions Trophy 2025. The match is being played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 20. India recently defeated England 3-0 in the ODI series and will look to continue their winning form. Bangladesh, on the other hand, has struggled in ICC tournaments and will aim to improve their record.

Why Is Arshdeep Singh Not Playing?

At the toss, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto chose to bat first. His team has gone with three spinners for the match. Meanwhile, India made a few changes to their playing XI. Varun Chakaravarthy has been dropped, and Ravindra Jadeja has returned to the team.

However, one surprising decision was leaving out Arshdeep Singh. Instead of him, India has included young fast bowler Harshit Rana. Captain Rohit Sharma confirmed this change at the toss, saying that Mohammed Shami has also returned to the team.

Rohit Sharma’s Statement

Rohit Sharma said, “We would have fielded first. We have played here a few years back and felt the ball comes on better under lights. Everyone is fit and ready to go. Only Varun misses out, Jadeja comes back. Arshdeep misses, and Shami comes back.”

Was This the Right Decision?

Many fans were surprised by this move. Mohammed Shami was not in great form before the tournament, while Arshdeep had been performing well. On the other hand, Harshit Rana has impressed in the few matches he has played. It remains to be seen if this decision works in India’s favor.

Playing XIs

India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (w), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav.

Bangladesh: Tanzid Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim (w), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman.