As India gears up for its Champions Trophy opener against Bangladesh, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has weighed in on the team selection, choosing Arshdeep Singh over Harshit Rana to replace the injured Jasprit Bumrah.
Ponting, speaking on The ICC Review, stated that while Rana has shown promise in recent opportunities, Arshdeep’s ability to bowl effectively in all phases of the 50-over format makes him a stronger contender for the role.
"I would go with the left-armer, and I'd go with Arshdeep (to replace Bumrah). We know how good he's been in T20 cricket, and if you think about the skill set, he probably provides a similar skill set to what Bumrah does with the new ball and in death overs," Ponting said.
Ponting Highlights Arshdeep’s Versatility Over Rana
Ponting emphasized that Arshdeep’s left-arm variation and experience in crucial moments make him a key asset for India, particularly in a high-stakes tournament.
"That's taking nothing away from Harshit Rana because I think he has a lot of talent, and we know what he can do with the new ball. But I don't think his death bowling skills are as good as Arshdeep Singh’s," he added.
With the Champions Trophy being played in high-pressure conditions, Ponting believes that a left-arm pacer capable of swinging the ball early and delivering in the death overs would be invaluable.
"Having a left-arm option in the XI is always crucial. Someone who can swing the new ball and offer variety against right-handed batters can be a game-changer. In a big tournament, those small factors make a huge difference."
Rohit, Kohli in Form, Positive Sign for India
Ponting also commented on India’s batting lineup, noting that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's form in the ODI series against England is a positive sign ahead of the tournament.
"It's great to see Shreyas Iyer back in the team and playing well in the middle order. More importantly, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were back among the runs, and that's exactly what India needs going into a big tournament," Ponting said.
He further emphasized the importance of experienced players stepping up in major tournaments.
"Rohit, Virat, your experienced players – you need them to stand up in the big tournaments and big moments. With the exception of losing Bumrah, everything else looks in good order for India."
India's Road Ahead in the Champions Trophy
With Jasprit Bumrah ruled out, India faces a key decision in selecting his replacement. While Harshit Rana has shown potential, the team management may lean towards Arshdeep Singh, considering his ability to deliver in pressure situations.
As India prepares to take on Bangladesh in their Champions Trophy opener, all eyes will be on the final team selection and how the squad adapts to the absence of their pace spearhead.
