Champions Trophy: Ricky Ponting identifies Arshdeep as Bumrah's best replacement
What's the story
Former Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting has backed Indian bowler Arshdeep Singh as the perfect replacement for Jasprit Bumrah in the upcoming Champions Trophy. This is despite India's decision to name Harshit Rana as Bumrah's squad replacement. Meanwhile, Bumrah has been ruled out of the tournament due to a back injury. Speaking on The ICC Review, Ponting said, "I would go with the left-armer and I'd go with Arshdeep (to replace Bumrah)." Here's more.
Injury impact
Bumrah's injury leaves void in India's bowling lineup
Bumrah's back injury, which he sustained during the Sydney Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, has created a huge void in India's bowling lineup. This has raised concerns over who will lead the attack in a tournament where India are hoping to end their long wait for an ODI silverware. Though initially named in India's 15-man squad, Bumrah was ruled out of the tournament due to his injury.
Performance concerns
Ponting questions Rana's early over control
Rana, who made his ODI debut in the recent series against England, struggled with the new ball. Despite showing improvement in his second spells, Ponting expressed concerns over Rana's lack of control in the early overs. "Rana, I think he has got a lot of talent and we know what he can do with the new ball, I don't think his death skills are as good as what Arshdeep Singh's are.," Ponting stated.
Skill assessment
Ponting praises Arshdeep's death over skills
Ponting lauded Arshdeep's death over skills and emphasized on his left-arm variation. He said, "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 new ball and death overs."
Tournament worries
Rana's performance raises concerns for Champions Trophy
Despite Rana's impressive debut series, his penchant for leaking runs in the powerplay could be a concern for India against stronger opposition in the Champions Trophy. Arshdeep impressed with a tidy 2/33 in his only ODI against England in Ahmedabad. Additionally, Arshdeep has played nine ODIs for India (14 wickets). Meanwhile, his T20I performances have cemented him as a reliable white-ball bowler, making him a strong contender for Bumrah's role. Notably, Arshdeep owns 99 scalps in T20Is for India.
Decision time
Final decision on Bumrah's replacement rests with Gambhir, Rohit
The final call on Bumrah's replacement will be with head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma. Despite Rana's stellar debut series, it is said that he may not open India's Champions Trophy campaign. This comes after Rana played all three matches against England, taking 3/53 on debut at Nagpur, 1/62 in Cuttack, and 2/31 in Ahmedabad.
Twitter Post
X post from ICC
Ricky Ponting thinks India seamer Arshdeep Singh can fill the void of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah at the #ChampionsTrophy 💪
— ICC (@ICC) February 18, 2025
More 👉 https://t.co/fj9RDg5cU4 pic.twitter.com/prV4xzYHtp