📷 Image Credits: The Times of India
Former India pacer RP Singh has expressed his preference for young bowler Arshdeep Singh over Mohammed Siraj in India’s fast-bowling combination for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Singh believes that Arshdeep’s left-arm variations and ability to create difficult angles for right-handed batsmen make him a valuable asset in the death overs. The left-arm seamer, who secured 19 wickets in 14 IPL games, faced challenges with an economy rate of 10.03 due to the onslaught of ‘impact players.’ RP Singh emphasized the importance of effective utilization of bowlers by the team captain and highlighted the significance of varying deliveries like cutters and slower ones on slower wickets in the USA.
Singh also stressed the importance of death bowling in T20 cricket, suggesting that star bowler Jasprit Bumrah should ideally bowl three overs in the last 10 overs to build pressure on the opposition. He advocated for Arshdeep’s inclusion alongside Bumrah, citing the left-armer’s ability to complement Bumrah’s strengths with his variations. Singh feels that Siraj, on the other hand, is more impactful with the new ball and may not be as effective in the death overs.
Moreover, RP Singh highlighted the value of having another left-arm option in the reserves like Khaleel Ahmed, emphasizing the advantages of left-arm bowlers against right-handed batters. He also emphasized the need for all-rounders like Hardik Pandya to bowl their full quota of overs to provide flexibility in team selection, especially in including multiple spinners like Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravindra Jadeja. With the T20 World Cup approaching, India’s bowling combination will be crucial in determining their success in the tournament.
