India relies on Arshdeep to convert T20I achievements into the 50-over format.
2 months ago | 5 Views
Mumbai: The absence of Jasprit Bumrah's exceptional talent often highlights the limitations of the other fast bowlers in Team India. His presence allows them to thrive on his skill, but with his exclusion from the Champions Trophy, this dynamic is disrupted. Opposing teams that might have approached the game with caution will now be emboldened to attack the new ball.
This situation presents a recurring challenge for Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Shami, Harshit Rana, and Hardik Pandya. Their performance will significantly influence the outcomes of the matches.
Among the pace attack selected for the Champions Trophy, Arshdeep stands out as the only player with consistent experience in white-ball cricket. Mohammed Shami is returning from an extended injury hiatus, while Harshit Rana has participated in only four matches (three ODIs and one T20I). His experience will be crucial, particularly in high-pressure scenarios.
For those familiar with the career trajectory of the 26-year-old left-arm seamer, it is unsurprising that he has emerged as India's leading wicket-taker in T20I cricket. He was also honored as the ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year 2024, having taken 36 wickets in 18 matches during that period.
The Punjab bowler's performance has been on an upward trajectory, but his next challenge lies in converting his T20 achievements into success in the 50-over format, a task that captain Rohit Sharma will be counting on.
Irfan Pathan, who claimed 173 wickets in 120 ODIs for India, expresses confidence in Arshdeep's ability to make an impact with the new ball. However, he is eager to see how the young pacer adjusts to the demands of bowling with an older ball.
“The challenge will be there (to adapt to the ODI format), with the new ball I don’t have any doubt that he will be able to replicate what he has done in the T20 format,” Pathan remarked. “His learning will be in how he deals with the older ball in one-day cricket.”
Arshdeep demonstrates remarkable potential as a learner, exhibiting a commendable attitude. The essence of the game lies in elevating one's performance. It is noteworthy that only a select number of bowlers globally have reached the milestone of 100 international wickets. The confidence that Arshdeep possesses is evident; he has a proficient yorker and displays adaptability.
In limited overs cricket, bowlers must possess a diverse skill set. Relying solely on pace can lead to being targeted, while an overemphasis on swing can result in being hit hard. A multifaceted approach is essential to effectively challenge batters, and Arshdeep embodies this requirement.
He effectively generates movement by delivering the ball at a fuller length, can execute hard lengths, possesses a sharp bouncer, and consistently nails yorkers. These skills enable him to perform well under pressure.
His potential was evident from his IPL debut, where he claimed the wicket of Jos Buttler, the current captain of the England ODI team, in 2019. He has certainly fulfilled the promise he showed early in his career. With 99 wickets to his name, he currently stands as India’s leading wicket-taker in T20 internationals.
His achievements have generated excitement within the Indian cricket management, particularly because left-arm pacers are highly valued in any bowling lineup. Arshdeep’s willingness to embrace responsibility distinguishes him.
“He is eager to take wickets with the new ball. Every time I observe him bowl, I feel a sense of pride as a fast bowler because he does not adopt a passive approach, thinking that if Jasprit Bumrah is bowling at the other end, he will secure the wickets. Instead, he approaches the game with an attacking mindset,” remarked Pathan.
Pathan experienced a similarly impressive start to his career, taking 200 wickets in his first three years of international cricket (from 2004 to 2007), with 104 in ODIs and 90 in Tests during that period. Most of his wickets were taken with the new ball, where he aimed to pitch it up. In this regard, Arshdeep also possesses the ability to deliver early breakthroughs with the new ball.
For a specialist bowler, securing a position in the playing XI can be challenging, as the Indian team often favors all-rounders. However, if evaluated solely on his bowling capabilities, Arshdeep's skills are undeniable.
“He is a pure wicket-taker who can swing the ball both ways, being a left-armer it gives him an added advantage,” says Pathan.
Important career move
Arshdeep has emerged as the leading figure in the Indian pace attack for T20 Internationals and is anticipated to assume a similar role in One Day Internationals, succeeding the more experienced bowlers. This trajectory suggests that prudent decisions have been made throughout his career. A key individual in his journey is Bhupinder Singh Sr, a former Indian pacer and selector, who played a significant role in guiding him early on.
"When Arshdeep was approximately 14 years old, I observed him playing in Chandigarh for a team associated with the Haryana Cricket Association. I advised his father, Darshan Singh, who had played alongside me at Khalsa College in Amritsar, that his son had a promising future and should be enrolled in the Punjab Cricket Association, which offers a superior cricketing framework.
"At that age, he was already showing great potential and quickly became part of the PCA's talent identification program. He consistently received opportunities at crucial moments, and his performance trajectory reflects his growth. He is steadily enhancing his skills, excelling in matches, and proving to be a valuable asset for the team," remarked Bhupinder, who had the chance to assess the bowler's development during a recent encounter.
Following his pivotal contribution to India's victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup, Arshdeep is now focused on establishing his presence in the 50-over format during the forthcoming Champions Trophy. Should he replicate his T20 World Cup success, it will further solidify his reputation as a rising star in cricket.
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