Arshdeep Singh Or Harshit Rana? Ricky Ponting Chooses India's Second Pacer In Champions Trophy 2025

Ricky Ponting, the legendary Australian cricketer, has recommended Arshdeep Singh as India's best chance to replace Jasprit Bumrah in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. With Bumrah out of the tournament due to a back injury, the spotlight now shifts to who will partner Mohammed Shami in India's speed assault.

However, the Indian selectors have picked Harshit Rana as Jasprit Bumrah's replacement in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 roster, but Ricky Ponting believes Arshdeep Singh's left-arm angle gives India the necessary advantage in the coveted competition.

Ricky Ponting picks Arshdeep Singh over Harshit Rana for India’s second pacer in Champions Trophy 2025

The former Australian captain and new Punjab Kings (PBKS) head coach has also stated that Arshdeep Singh's ability to swing the new ball and deliver under pressure in the death overs makes the Punjab lad a strong contender to replace Bumrah in India's XI for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

“I would go with the left arm, 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 death overs, and that's what India will miss,” Ponting said on ICC.

Ponting appreciated Harshit Rana's ability with the new ball, but his performance in tight situations remained uncertain. The Australian great believes Arshdeep's left-arm variation will be a valuable weapon for the Men in Blue, given the competitors' reliance on right-handers at the top.

Harshit Rana's death skills are not as good as Arshdeep Singh’s

Ponting, who will coach Arshdeep Singh in PBKS in IPL 2025, stated that when it comes to death overs bowling skills, the left-arm pacer from Punjab is way ahead of Harshit Rana.

Ponting further explained, “That's 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, but I don't think his death skills are as good as what Arshdeep Singh’s are.

And just that left-arm variation, someone that can bowl left-arm with a new ball and move the new ball. We know how important they are and how crucial they can be, especially in big tournaments when you've got a lot of right-handers at the top. I would personally lean that way if I were India.”

India to take on Bangladesh in the opening match

The Indian cricket team will begin their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The competition, comprising the top eight nations, will begin on Wednesday, February 19, with hosts Pakistan taking against New Zealand in Karachi.

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