Sanjay Bangar says Arshdeep Singh deserves a look-in against Oman in Asia Cup

Former Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar said Arshdeep Singh deserves a look-in against Oman in the last Group A fixture of the Asia Cup on Friday. Bangar reckons the left-arm pacer can get a place in the final XI in place of Jasprit Bumrah, who can be rested.

Singh is India’s most successful bowler in T20Is with 99 scalps and it was surprising when he was left out of the opening game against the UAE. The Punjab pacer could not also get a place in the final XI against Pakistan. The pitches in the UAE are conducive for the spinners and thus India played with a solitary frontline pacer.

Sanjay Bangar said on ESPN Cricinfo, “Possibly, they could leave Jasprit Bumrah out for this match. Instead of him, Arshdeep Singh deserves a look-in. He has performed exceptionally well for India in T20 cricket. That is one change which I foresee. Apart from that, any other change looks difficult. One change seems enough. The hope is that other players get to play a lot more matches in the future”.

The former all-rounder said India could decide to bat first against Oman if they win the toss.

“India have bowled first in both their matches so far. They could look to bat first if they win the toss against Oman. But the impression that Oman have left, they have left that with the ball. In the first match against Pakistan, they has restricted them to within a score of 160 bowling first. The batting has been a challenge for them, and they will need to put in a better performance in that department in this match,” he said.

Bangar said Shivam Dube is looked at as a third seamer in the team. Dube had returned with impressive figures of 3-4 in two overs he bowled against UAE.

“It is because he offers the medium-pace bowling option. The strategy that India have adopted, where Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah are taking the new ball, then he’s been looked at as the third seamer. To maximise that option and his six-hitting ability, the way he played for CSK, even for India he’s performed well. I feel the team management is looking to give him a lot more exposure,” he said.

India will take on Oman in their last Group A fixture at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi on Friday.