Former India player turned commentator Aakash Chopra said that Arshdeep Singh’s presence in the T20I XI ensures that pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah plays the role that is best suited for him as well. According to Chopra, with Arshdeep taking the new ball, Bumrah can bowl at three different phases in the innings – powerplay, middle overs and the death as well.

During a discussion on ESPNcricinfo, Chopra said: “Bumrah will not actually get to bowl with the new ball if Arshdeep is bowling. Bumrah [thus] gets the role that we all feel is better suited for India, where he doesn’t have to bowl three with the new ball and only one in the death overs. He gets two for his death overs. He may not have to actually even bowl two with the new ball in the powerplay overs. Bowl one in the middle to break a partnership and keep two at the bottom. And that can only happen if Arshdeep plays.”

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While backing Arshdeep Singh to play in the playing XI in T20Is permanently, Chopra also admitted that left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav would be unlucky to miss out as well.

“It is quite likely that he won’t actually find a place in the side. Because, if there is a stage where you need another fast bowler, it could be Harshit Rana batting at eight,” Aakash Chopra concluded.