Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes the selectors should pick either Mohammed Siraj or Arshdeep Singh for the ODI World Cup 2027. Pathan reckons Arshdeep Singh has slight edge over Siraj as he brings a left-arm angle to the crease.
Singh was preferred ahead of Siraj in the first two ODIs against New Zealand. The left-arm seamer has scalped four wickets in two games. Singh returned with figures of 4-70 in the series opener whereas he went wicketless in the second game but bowled an economical spell.
Siraj, on the other hand, has played sporadically in the ODI format for the team.
Irfan Pathan said on Cricinfo, “I will pick one between Arshdeep and Siraj. Personally, I would like to have a left-armer in the squad. You always need that kind of angle. And, he can swing the ball both ways as well. Siraj has the same skill, but it will be very interesting what he does when he gets his opportunity, hopefully in the next game.
“He’s an experienced campaigner. I would like to see him seizing the opportunity and creating a headache for selectors. There is one area where India would be thinking about Siraj – he’ll be very good with the new ball, but can he bowl with the older ball? With the kind of experience he has now, he can answer that question provided he gets the opportunity. Right now, it will be between Arshdeep and Siraj. But Arshdeep may be slightly ahead.”
On the other hand, Anshul Kamboj has impressed in the first two ODIs against the Kiwis. He has snared four wickets at an average of 11.75 and Pathan reckons the Haryana fast bowler can make India’s ODI World Cup selection a bit tricky.
He concluded, “Hopefully, Anshul Kamboj will push himself as well because he can also bat. And I think I really like what I’ve seen so far. So he will be pushing himself to be there. Might not be there in top five, but he can tell the selectors – I’m here.”
The fourth ODI between India and New Zealand will be played on Friday.
