Arshdeep Singh created history against Oman. Yet, his place in the India vs Pakistan match isn’t guaranteed. The left-arm fast bowler has been one of the best T20I bowlers since 2022. But the need for batting depth and variety of bowling options, Arshdeep was forced to sit out against the UAE and Pakistan.
In the Super Four rematch between India and Pakistan at the Asia Cup, it looks like Arshdeep will warm the bench again, as both Kuldeep Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah are expected to return to the starting XI. For Irfan Pathan, this won’t be ideal.
Arshdeep Singh a must, says Pathan
As we saw against Oman, India’s two all-rounder pacers, Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya, couldn’t sustain the same level. This was more the case for Dube, who went for 31 runs in 3 overs. It’s not that Arshdeep won’t give away runs, but his execution will be on point more often than not.
In Dubai, where the ball gets wet, you need someone of his quality to bowl in the death alongside Jasprit Bumrah. Pathan has no issue with Dube or Pandya being the third or fourth pacers, but they can’t give you what Arshdeep can.
“I will stick to my words, what I said before the start of the Asia Cup. I would want to see Arshdeep play with Bumrah because a situation could come where you might need a second fast bowler. When the ball gets wet and you are under pressure, is Hardik’s strength bowling six yorkers, or can Shivam Dube bowl those yorkers consistently?” Pathan said, as quoted by The Times of India.
The former all-rounder understands why the Indian management won’t want to change their successful method, but Arshdeep is one of the few bowlers in the world who’s successful in the powerplay and at the backend of the innings. No other Indian bowler, barring Bumrah, has this ability.
“There will be a question there. That’s why, can you think about Arshdeep? However, it’s difficult to change a team that’s been playing and winning. You wouldn’t want to play a batter less as well. It’s a tough decision. I would have done differently, but the team is thinking differently,” he added.
Editor's Pick
Cricket
How Virat Kohli's 100 in Ranchi resulted in tickets for IND vs SA 3rd ODI getting sold out instantly
Top Stories
