Despite Harshit Rana's recent emergence in India's fast-bowling ranks, Arshdeep Singh appears set to claim the starting position in India's playing 11 during their Champions Trophy campaign, a report carried by PTI suggests. Performance metrics While Rana, the 6-feet-2-inch Delhi speedster, held his own in three ODIs against England, Singh's superior economy rate of 5.17 (compared to Rana's 6.95) and ability to move the ball both ways during Powerplay overs strengthen his case for the tournament beginning February 19. Expert analysis Former national selector Devang Gandhi, who has observed Rana closely as Delhi Ranji coach, told PTI: "Harshit has improved by leaps and bounds in terms of reducing his weight and has become sharper in terms of speed. But if I had to choose one among the two as Mohammed Shami's partner, it has to be Arshdeep as he can swing the ball both ways and is a left-armer." Strategic context The report suggests Rana's selection in all three England ODIs was part of the team management's assessment of potential replacements for Jasprit Bumrah, while also testing Shami's fitness. Singh, who debuted in New Zealand in 2022, has played nine ODIs. Tournament perspective Former India opener WV Raman emphasised the tournament's unique demands. "Arshdeep, due to his relative experience and the left arm being a different dimension, has an advantage. The Dubai track will be decent for the pacers," he told PTI. Technical edge Gandhi detailed the technical advantages: "Harshit hits deck and gets it to move a bit both ways after pitching along with those effective occasional heavy balls in the range of mid-140s. But when you have Arshdeep, he can swing the new ball and also use angles of the crease effectively when he comes round the wicket during death overs." Venue considerations An NCA Level 2 coach noted the Dubai International Cricket Stadium offers "five to six inches more bounce," potentially favouring Singh's swing bowling capabilities. India begins their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai.Original Article