Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan believes that Arshdeep Singh deserves a place in the squad for the Asia Cup final following his exceptional performance against Sri Lanka in the Super Over on Friday. Notably, the left-arm pacer held his nerve and picked up two wickets in the Super Over while giving away just two runs. Thanks to him, the Men in Blue continued their unbeaten streak in the tournament with a thrilling victory.
Pathan highlighted the importance of Arshdeep in the death overs, pointing out how the he can bowl yorkers constantly just like Jasprit Bumrah. He further stated that the 26-year-old knows how to bowl well under pressure.
“Look, first of all, he’s as cool as ice, mate. Under pressure, he asks for the ball. He bowls when it matters, and whenever it’s the last over, he nails the yorkers. He’s ready. Shoulder to shoulder with Bumrah, he delivers those yorkers. I think he’s a bowler of that quality,” Pathan told broadcasters after the match.
Pathan also explained that at times Arshdeep fails to get a spot in the XI because the team management opts to play an extra batter and hands a place to Shivam Dube at the pacer's expense. He further said that Arshdeep deserves to be a part of the playing XI at all times because it is crucial to have bowlers bowling yorkers from both ends in crunch situations.
“I’ve been saying this from day one — it’s not just about today. He should always be in the playing XI, because there are situations when you need yorkers from both ends. You saw it yourself today — the match went right down to the wire," Pathan stated.
“But the team thought we needed longer batting. And if you want longer batting, then Shivam Dube plays as an all-rounder. Now, if he’s playing, Arshdeep doesn’t get a spot. But in my team, Arshdeep will always be there. And I’ve been saying this from the very first day,” he added.
India to face Pakistan in Asia Cup final
Meanwhile, India will now be facing-off against arch-rivals Pakistan in the final of Asia Cup on September 28. It will be the first time in history that the two teams will be facing each other in the tournament's final. The Men in Blue have defeated Salman Ali Agha & Co. twice already in the ongoing tournament and will be hoping to record a third victory over them this time in the all-important final.