Irfan Pathan lauds Arshdeep Singh after IND vs SA 1st T20I

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has lavished praise on Arshdeep Singh after India claimed a convincing 101-run win in the opening game against South Africa at the Bababati Cricket Stadium, Cuttack on Tuesday. India posted a par score of 175 runs on the board and Singh was able to provide an early breakthrough as he dismissed in-form Quinton de Kock in the first over.

Singh bowled a perfect outswinger to produce the left-hander’s outside edge. The left-arm pacer then accounted for Tristan Stubbs, this time getting the ball to swing back into the right-hander to take his inside edge.

Singh returned with impressive figures of 2-14 in the two overs he bowled. But, the Punjab pacer has failed to find regular chances in India’s playing XI despite being team’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is and Pathan said Singh must play regularly as he provides early wickets.

Furthermore, Jasprit Bumrah also picked two wickets and completed 100 scalps in T20Is. He became the first Indian and fifth overall bowler to pick 100 wickets across all three formats.

“When it comes to bowling, Arshdeep Singh made use of the new ball quite well and dismissed Quinton de Kock in the opening over. Ball swung both ways when he bowled and the control was outstanding. That’s why Arshdeep Singh must play regularly, especially in conditions where the ball wouldn’t grip as much. Jasprit Bumrah bowled equally well and he achieved a unique record of picking up 100 wickets in all three formats. It’s legendary, there’s no doubt about it. The expectation is for him to stay fit,” Pathan said on his YouTube Channel.

Pathan said the combination of two genuine fast bowlers and two seam-bowling all-rounders is working well for India.

“When there are three fast bowlers, including Hardik Pandya, with Shivam Dube also there, it also helps Suryakumar Yadav to utilize Bumrah well – whether he wants to bowl one or two overs initially or bowl him in the middle if he must break a partnership. That’s why three fast bowlers, including Pandya -this combination is extremely good,” he added.

The second T20I between India and South Africa will be played at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Chandigarh, on Thursday.