Former Indian batter Mohammed Kaif reckons Arshdeep Singh’s long run-up is the main reason behind his no-balls. Singh has struggled to keep his right foot within the popping crease, which has been a cause of concern.

The youngster conceded 51 runs in his quota of four overs in the first T20I against New Zealand on Friday in Ranchi. The left-arm pacer was taken for 27 runs in the final over of the innings, which was the turning point of the game.

Singh overstepped on one occasion but his no-balls have been his kryptonite in the recent past. The fast bowler had also struggled to bowl legal deliveries in the T20I series against Sri Lanka.

“Arshdeep has a longer run-up which itself means he might face stepping issues. He’s also wasting energy there. So, the main reason behind those over-stepped no-balls is his long run-up,” said Kaif while talking to Star Sports.

Kaif believes Singh changes sides often and he needs to stay calm in tense situations of the game as he has all the caliber.

“And as he changes side too much, sometimes round the wicket, sometimes over. So, he needs to work on the basics and stay a bit relaxed. He is a good bowler but didn’t have a great day,” Kaif added.

Former Indian all-rounder Sanjay Bangar also echoed the same thoughts as Mohammad Kaif and feels Arshdeep needs to work a bit on his run-up.

“Like Kaif said, his run-up is longer than required. A bowler needs to figure that out. If you are a progressing fast-bowler and don’t have much power in the body, then run from a longer distance to create momentum,” said Bangar.

Bangar added Singh needs to improve as he was not effective in the first T20I against New Zealand.

“Arshdeep wasn’t much effective today. He has been known for those wide yorkers that trouble the batters but today, he bowled mostly in the slot. I think he needs to think about his bowling a bit and make decisions wisely. It’s a journey,” Bangar added.

The second T20I between India and New Zealand will be played in Lucknow on Sunday.