Harshit Rana Left Out of India's Champions Trophy XI-Ricky Ponting Supports Arshdeep Singh

The eagerness for the announcement of India's team selection for the ICC Champions Trophy has grown stronger with cricketing legend Ricky Ponting weighing in on the pace bowling attack of the team. Making a surprising yet logical choice, Ponting has preferred Arshdeep Singh to Harshit Rana in India's playing line-up for the key opening game against Bangladesh. With India's star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah out of action because of injury, the team is eager to plug a big gap in their bowling unit.

Ponting's Reasoning Behind Selecting Arshdeep Over Rana

Ponting, an astute cricketing mind, analyzed the options available to India and concluded that Arshdeep Singh would be the better fit to replace Bumrah. Speaking on The ICC Review, the former Australian captain stated, “I would go with the left-armer and I’d go with Arshdeep to replace Bumrah.”

Ponting picked out Arshdeep's all-round skill across all stages of the 50-over game, especially his skill with the new ball and towards the death. He noted that Arshdeep has a skill set like Bumrah's and is therefore a crucial cog for India's bowling team. "We know how well he's performed in T20 cricket, and if you consider his skill set, he offers a similar capability to bowl with the new ball and towards the death. That's precisely what India will miss with Bumrah not being there.

The Case for Harshit Rana

Harshit Rana, however, has done a good job with the limited chances he has got till the ICC event. His capacity to produce pace and movement with the new ball has been impressive, and he has definitely promised much. But Ponting feels that in terms of dealing with pressure moments, particularly at the death, Arshdeep has the advantage.

Ponting explained that his decision was not a negative comment on Rana's skills but more an analysis of the team's overall requirements. "That's not diminishing anything for Harshit Rana. He's very talented and we know what he can do with the new ball. But I don't feel his death bowling is as polished as Arshdeep Singh's."

The Importance of a Left-Arm Pacer in the Playing XI

The addition of a left-arm pacer can provide a new dimension to the bowling attack, and that is why Ponting firmly supports Arshdeep. He described how left-armers can be match-winners, particularly in big tournaments when opposing teams tend to have right-handed top-order batters. "Just having that left-arm variation, somebody who could swing the new ball and provide a different angle, is always important.". We have witnessed how good left-armers can be in major tournaments.

India's Batting Prospects Are Looking Good

While the discussion regarding the best bowling combination goes on, India's batting is looking in good shape as they enter the Champions Trophy. Ponting was hopeful about the show of senior players such as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who were among runs in the last ODI series against England.

“More importantly for India, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were back scoring runs, and that’s what they need heading into big tournaments. When you’re in a global competition, your experienced players must step up in crucial moments.”

Ponting also appreciated the consistency and form of middle-order batsman Shreyas Iyer. "It's great to see Shreyas Iyer back in the team and playing well. His contributions in the middle order could prove crucial for India." 

India's Path Forward in the Champions Trophy

In spite of the untimely loss of Bumrah, Ponting feels that India is well placed to play at the top level. He pointed out that apart from the pacers' bowl changes, everything else seems to be fine with the team. "Everything for India at present seems to be in good order, other than Bumrah's unavailability."

As the Champions Trophy nears, India's choice of final XI will be on everyone's lips. Whether team management agrees with Ponting's evaluation or even gives Harshit Rana an opportunity is hard to say, but one thing is for sure—the stakes are high, and each choice will be crucial in India's fate in the competition.