India's ICC Champions Trophy preparations have suffered a significant setback with the injury blow to star pacer Jasprit Bumrah. But former Australian skipper and ICC Hall of Famer Ricky Ponting has supported young speedster Arshdeep Singh as the perfect substitute.
In his discussion on The ICC Review, Ponting expressed his faith in Arshdeep's potential to rise to the occasion in Bumrah's absence. He pointed out the left-arm pacer's skill with the new ball and at the death, given these qualities as being vital for India's cause.
"I would take the left-armer and I'd take Arshdeep (as a replacement for Bumrah)," said Ponting. "We know how effective he's been in T20 cricket, and if you consider the skill set, he most likely offers the same skill set as Bumrah does with the new ball and death overs. That's what India's missing."
While recognizing Harshit Rana's impressive performances in India's recent ODI victory over England, Ponting stressed that Arshdeep's left-arm trajectory and potential to swing the ball provide him with an advantage.
"That's not diminishing anything about Harshit Rana because I believe he has got a lot of talent and we know what he can do with the new ball," Ponting said. "But I don't feel his death skills are as sharp as Arshdeep Singh's are. And just that left-arm variation, someone who can bowl left-arm with a new ball and swing the new ball, is important in big tournaments when you have plenty of right-handers up top."
Even in the absence of Bumrah, India retains depth in their bowling attack, with Mohammed Shami being present and all-rounder Hardik Pandya likely to contribute with the ball. Ponting also highlighted the possible contribution of mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy.
"I believe Chakravarthy can make a big difference in the tournament as well for India," he added. "He's likely been stereotyped as a T20 bowler, but with his variations and ability, he can be a game-changer in the Champions Trophy."
Ponting is optimistic about India's chances of winning the title, pointing to their comprehensive 4-1 series victory over England as a good pointer to form.
Winning's a habit, and to have that behind you, you can take some positives out of that," he said. "More importantly for India, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were back scoring runs, and that's what they need going into big tournaments. Your experienced players need to stand up in the big moments."
India will start their Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh in Dubai on February 20.
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