Legendary cricketer Anil Kumble has expressed significant admiration for Arshdeep Singh’s performance in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. The left-arm pacer showcased his skills under pressure, particularly in the final over against Pakistan, securing a narrow six-run victory for India. His exceptional performance continued against the USA, where he took four crucial wickets and was named Player of the Match.
Kumble has opined that Arshdeep should be prioritized over Mohammed Siraj for the rest of the tournament. With the Super 8 matches scheduled to take place in the West Indies, where conditions often favour spin bowling, India might consider including an extra spinner in their lineup. In light of this, Kumble believes Arshdeep’s inclusion adds valuable variety to the bowling attack, particularly with his left-arm pace.
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“I think the way he (Arshdeep) bowled that last over against Pakistan, and also his ability to bowl effectively in different phases of the T20 game, certainly puts him ahead of Mohammed Siraj. If India opts to go with just two seamers and Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep’s left-arm pace provides additional variety,” Anil Kumble remarked while speaking to ESPNcricinfo.
In a detailed analysis of Arshdeep’s game following his match-winning performance against the USA, Varun Aaron, a seasoned pacer himself, praised Arshdeep’s ability to swing the ball effortlessly. Aaron emphasized that Arshdeep’s newfound ability to shape the ball back consistently, which was less apparent during the IPL, is a significant asset. He urged Arshdeep to carry this confidence into the Super 8 stage.
“Arshdeep has been getting the ball to swing back effortlessly and at regular intervals, something we didn’t see as much in the IPL. It’s crucial for him to carry this confidence into the Super 8 matches. These games are all about execution, and he executed really well today,” Aaron Finch commented.
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India is set to play their final group stage game against Canada on June 15. Following this match, the Rohit Sharma-led side will head to the West Indies for the Super 8 stage, where Arshdeep Singh’s continued form will be vital for India’s success.
