Speaking on The ICC Review, Ponting expressed confidence in Arshdeep\u2019s ability to fill the void left by Bumrah, citing the young pacer\u2019s skills with both the new ball and at the death as crucial assets.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI would go with the left-armer and I'd go with Arshdeep (to replace Bumrah),\u201d Ponting stated. \u201cWe 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 death overs. That\u2019s what India will miss.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ponting acknowledged Harshit Rana\u2019s impressive performances in India\u2019s recent ODI series win against England but emphasized that Arshdeep\u2019s left-arm variation and ability to move the ball make him a better fit for the role.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThat\u2019s taking nothing away from Harshit Rana because I think he has got a lot of talent and we know what he can do with the new ball,\u201d Ponting explained. \u201cBut I don't think his death skills are as good as Arshdeep Singh\u2019s are. And just that left-arm variation, someone that can bowl left-arm with a new ball and move the new ball, is crucial in big tournaments when you've got a lot of right-handers at the top.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India still have multiple options within their squad, with Mohammed Shami available and all-rounder Hardik Pandya expected to contribute with the ball to lessen the impact of Bumrah\u2019s absence. Ponting also highlighted the potential impact of mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI think Chakravarthy can have a huge impact on the tournament as well for India,\u201d he said. \u201cHe\u2019s probably been pigeonholed as a T20 bowler, but with his variations and skill, he can be a game-changer in the Champions Trophy.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite Bumrah\u2019s injury, Ponting remains optimistic about India\u2019s title chances. He pointed to the team\u2019s recent 4-1 series victory over England as a sign that they are in strong form heading into the tournament.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWinning\u2019s a habit, and to have that behind you, you can take some positives out of that,\u201d he said. \u201cMore importantly for India, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were back scoring runs, and that\u2019s what they need going into big tournaments. Your experienced players need to stand up in the big moments.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite Bumrah\u2019s injury, Ponting remains optimistic about India\u2019s title chances. He pointed to the team\u2019s recent 4-1 series victory over England as a sign that they are in strong form heading into the tournament.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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