He has got the potential to be regular bowler in all three formats – Wasim Akram urges Arshdeep Singh to focus on Test cricket

Former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram reckons if Arshdeep Singh wants to leave behind a legacy and be remembered as a world-class bowler, then he should focus on Test cricket. Singh had an impressive run in the T20 World Cup 2024, finishing as the joint-highest wicket-taker with Afghanistan’s Fazalhaq Farooqi.

The left-arm seamer scalped 17 wickets in eight matches at an average of 12.65 and thus played a key role in taking India to glory. Singh has played six ODI matches and 52 T20Is but he is yet to make his debut in Test cricket.

The 25-year-old has picked 49 wickets in 16 first-class matches at an average of 31.97. Akram noted that Singh has the ability to swing the ball both ways and also has the pace under his arsenal. 

“Very impressive, very talented. He should be focusing on four-day cricket too because he has swing and pace. He swings the ball both ways and the new ball comes in decently. I think he has got the potential to be a regular bowler for India. I hope he has Test cricket on his mind because you will make money in T20s and you will make your name for one year in T20s,” Wasim Akram said while talking to Sportskeeda.

While rating Arshdeep Singh’s performance in the T20I showpiece, legendary Pakistan bowler gave him 8/10.

“However, if you have to leave a legacy, you have to think about long-format cricket. People should be talking about you even 10-20 years after your retirement that no such bowler came in cricket history. These young bowlers should have that kind of mindset. No doubt, he has got the potential. I would give him eight,” Akram added.

On the other hand, Akram hailed Mustafizur Rahman for using the slower cutter balls with all the guile and said the Bangladesh bowler is successful because he practices them.

“It’s because of practice and he disguises them very well. He doesn’t split his fingers before bowling the ball and his action doesn’t change. That’s why he is consistent. He too has injury problems. He doesn’t like playing Test cricket,” Wasim said.

“Since we are talking about the T20 format, he is quite good, especially with his cutters, and he has now learned a new ball, inswing, as well. The new ball comes in slightly, it used to go across only earlier. He had become a little predictable. (I would give him) seven,” Akram added.

Akram rated Trent Boult 10/10 for his consistent performances. The New Zealander retired after the Kiwis were knocked out bin T20 World Cup.

“I rate him (Boult) decently. He has taken a lot of wickets in Test cricket. He has played for long and is a sensible bowler. He still wants to learn. That shows he is not satisfied with himself as a bowler,” he said.

“He has retired and is playing leagues everywhere. He gives you wickets. If a top left-arm bowler has come after Starc in the last 10 years, I would take Trent Boult’s name. I would give him 10,” the cricketer-turned-commentator added.