ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Why is Harshit Rana not included in India playing XI against New Zealand

Harshit Rana has picked up four wickets in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 so far.

The final group stage match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 between India and New Zealand got underway in Dubai on Sunday, March 2.

Both teams have already secured a spot in the semi-finals, but today’s fixture will decide who tops Group A and faces Australia in the semi-final 1.

India are coming to this game after back-to-back six-wicket wins against Bangladesh and Pakistan. Meanwhile, New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 60 runs in the tournament opener in Karachi before outclassing Bangladesh by five wickets in Rawalpindi.

The Men in Blue have made one interesting change for the important fixture. Harshit Rana has not been included in the playing XI.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Why is Harshit Rana not included in India playing XI against New Zealand

India captain Rohit Sharma confirmed at the toss that Harshit Rana has been rested for the fixture and has been replaced by mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy.

Rana has picked up four wickets in the tournament so far at an average of 15.25. The tactical change has been made to play an extra spinner on the slow surface of Dubai. India will carry extra confidence, knowing they will bowl second today which will bring all four spinners into play.

New Zealand also have made one change to their playing XI. Mitchell Santner confirmed that Daryl Mitchell has replaced opener Devon Conway in their lineup. Rachin Ravindra will open the innings alongside Will Young.

IND vs ENG: Playing XI of both teams

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

New Zealand: Rachin Ravindra, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry and William O’Rourke.

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