The Indian team management is currently facing a challenging situation regarding Jasprit Bumrah's availability for the upcoming Champions Trophy, as the deadline for finalizing the squad approaches. Bumrah has reportedly begun rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), where the medical staff is evaluating his condition to provide a report on his readiness for the tournament, set to commence on February 19. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) must also devise a contingency plan should he be unable to secure a fitness certificate, with Gautam Gambhir suggesting Harshit Rana as a possible substitute. The young pacer from Delhi, who made his international debut during last year's Australian tour in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, was selected over Arshdeep Singh for the first two ODIs against England.

Nevertheless, former Indian opener Aakash Chopra expresses scepticism regarding the backup strategy proposed by Gambhir and Rohit Sharma. He believes that if Bumrah is unable to participate, a significant adjustment will be necessary.

"India will need to completely reassess their strategy if Bumrah is unavailable. A substantial pivot is essential, and it would be prudent to do so. If they remain inflexible, believing that the team will be adequately prepared by simply substituting Harshit for Bumrah, are we truly ready?" Chopra remarked on his YouTube channel.

The former cricketer turned commentator emphasized that Rana may not be adequately prepared to assume Bumrah's critical role. The young bowler has taken four wickets in the initial two ODIs against England.

"It simply does not seem like he is ready. It feels akin to not having the right attire for a wedding. That is the impression I get. Numerous options will emerge if Bumrah is absent, one of which is that Harshit Rana will automatically be included in the team," he added.

“Jasprit Bumrah cannot be Shivam Dube's like-for-like replacement”

Chopra highlighted that Rana was selected as a direct substitute for Shivam Dube during the T20I series against England due to a concussion. He noted that if the team management believes the Delhi pacer possesses qualities akin to those of the Mumbai all-rounder, he could serve as a suitable alternative for Bumrah.

Nevertheless, he emphasized that this does not address the underlying issue, as Bumrah and Harshit Rana do not serve as direct replacements for one another. Chopra remarked that while Harshit Rana was indicated to be a like-for-like replacement for Shivam Dube, it is incorrect to consider Jasprit Bumrah as a comparable substitute for Dube.

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