Former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer believes it was redemption time for Arshdeep Singh during India’s high-octane match against arch-rivals Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2022 at the MCG on Sunday. Singh had dropped Asif Ali’s catch in the Super four stage of the Asia Cup and he was prey to a lot of criticism and trolling on social media.
However, Singh was able to leave all that behind him and made a fresh start to the T20I showpiece. The left-arm pacer struck on the very first ball he bowled as he removed Babar Azam with a typical in-swinging delivery coming back into the right-hander, to plumb the Pakistan captain in front of the wickets.
Singh then bounced out Mohammad Rizwan to leave Pakistan at 15-2. The 23-year-old was right on the money and reaped rewards for putting the ball in the right areas as there was help on the surface. Singh also accounted for Asif Ali in his second spell as he bowled an almost unplayable deliver to Pakistan’s power-hitter.
The youngster returned with impressive figures of 3-32 in the four overs he bowled and played a key role in keeping Pakistan at 159. Furthermore, he got support from Bhuvnehwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, and Hardik Pandya, who all took five wickets collectively.
“It was redemption for him (Arshdeep Singh) in one way. Arriving at such a big stage and first dismissing Babar (Azam), and (Mohammad) Rizwan. Those were two big wickets. We had earlier discussed that these two are the most important wickets. And if India had to defeat Pakistan, these to had to be sent back early which would have put additional pressure on the Pakistani middle order”, said Jaffer while speaking on ‘BatBricks7 presents Run Ki Runneeti show on CricTracker.
“Arshdeep bowled remarkably well. The way he swung the ball and took wickets I feel really happy. The way he was criticized after that drop catch in the Asia Cup, I feel he made a very strong comeback”, he added.
India’s bowling line-up must have grown in confidence after an impressive show against Pakistan as they were under some pressure before the T20I showpiece.
India will take on the Netherlands at the SCG on Thursday.
