(ANI Photo)
Arshdeep Singh delivered an outstanding performance against the USA on Wednesday, claiming four wickets while giving away just nine runs.
Legendary spinner Anil Kumble suggests that Arshdeep Singh should maintain his spot in the Indian XI for the West Indies leg if the team opts for only two dedicated fast bowlers. The former Indian captain proposes that Mohammed Siraj, the right-arm pacer, should be excluded from the three-man pace attack to make room for an additional spinner in the squad.
Arshdeep demonstrated his skill in India’s seven-wicket win against the USA, securing four wickets while conceding only nine runs in New York on Wednesday.
“I think the way he (Arshdeep) bowled that last over against Pakistan, and also the way he can bowl in different areas in the T20 game, I think certainly puts him ahead of Mohammed Siraj,” the former India coach told ESPNCricinfo.
“If at all India takes that option of going with just the two seamers and Hardik Pandya. So yes, in that sense, plus he also gives you an extra variety with his left-arm pace. So overall, he must be happy.”
Kumble emphasized that Jasprit Bumrah remains India’s primary choice for the pace attack, suggesting that Arshdeep should partner with him alongside all-rounder Hardik Pandya.
Arshdeep Singh has been a standout performer for India in the T20 World Cup, claiming seven wickets in three matches at an impressive economy rate of 6.22 and a strike rate of 10.28. In contrast, Mohammed Siraj has struggled, managing only one wicket in three games with a strike rate of 66.
Team India secured their spot in the Super Eight stage of the tournament on Wednesday with a convincing seven-wicket victory over the United States. Suryakumar Yadav’s excellent half-century complemented Arshdeep Singh’s remarkable 4/9 figures as India chased down a target of 111 runs with 10 deliveries to spare, sealing victory in the final match of the New York leg.
India will face Canada in their last Group A match at Lauderhill, Florida, on Saturday before heading to the Caribbean.
