India has been on the lookout for a promising left-arm pacer ever since the retirement of Zaheer Khan. Among the various contenders, Arshdeep Singh from Punjab has caught the attention of cricketing legend Wasim Akram. While impressed with Arshdeep’s performances, Akram believes there is room for improvement in terms of the young pacer’s pace.
Arshdeep Singh has shown promise in his T20I career, picking up 41 wickets in 26 matches with an economy rate of 8.40. Wasim Akram, known for his exceptional left-arm fast bowling, praised Arshdeep’s potential but suggested that he should play more First-Class cricket to increase his speed.
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“I saw him. He has a future. I said it during last year’s Asia Cup as well that he should play long. He has the swing but pace-wise, he needs to play more First-Class cricket to increase his speed. He is young and I like the way he bowls. He is a wicket-taker. The more he plays, the muscles will grow and he will be able to generate more pace,” Wasim Akram shared his observations on Radio Haanji.
Although Arshdeep Singh wasn’t part of India’s ODI squad for the series against West Indies, his impact in T20Is cannot be denied. However, in the limited opportunities he got in ODIs, he is yet to pick a wicket, conceding runs at an economy rate of 6.76.
With the five-match T20I series against West Indies on the horizon, Arshdeep could play a crucial role in Hardik Pandya’s side. The first T20I is scheduled to take place at the Brian Lara Stadium on Thursday, August 3. Arshdeep’s last T20I appearance for India was against New Zealand in February 2023.
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As India seeks a formidable left-arm pacer to fill the void left by Zaheer Khan, Arshdeep Singh’s potential continues to be closely monitored by cricketing enthusiasts and experts alike. With guidance and more opportunities, he has the potential to become a potent force in the Indian bowling attack.
