Former Zimbabwe captain Andy Flower has observed Arshdeep Singh from close quarters when he worked with Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League. Singh has taken giant strides as a young bowler and he has been rising through the ranks.
The left-arm pacer had earlier impressed with his ability to nail the yorkers while bowling at the business end of the innings. Singh has kept improving his skills and now he can get the ball to move both ways in the PowerPlay overs to breathe down the neck of the opposition batters.
Singh has scalped 10 wickets in five matches of the ongoing T20 World Cup and he has played an instrumental part in the success of the team. The 23-year-old youngster has been right on the money with his line and length and he has reaped rewards for the same.
Andy Flower told ESPNcricinfo: “The world has known less about Arshdeep. I had the pleasure of being in his company when I was with Punjab Kings (PBKS) and he was a youngster coming through.
“You could always see his potential, not only in his physicality and what he could deliver with the ball, but in his attitude – a very self-confident young guy but in a nice way, with a big broad smile. He is always cheeky in the dressing room.”
Meanwhile, both Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Arshdeep Singh have done a fine job for the Indian team with the new ball. Kumar has taken four wickets in five matches but he has bowled with an impressive economy rate of 5.40.
On the other hand, former Australian all-rounder Tom Moody showered praise on the Indian opening duo and said that Arshdeep is quicker than people give him credit for as he can clock around 140 kmph.
“In Australian conditions, they have thrived. They have swung the ball and it’s a real bonus for the Indian captain to have both left-arm and right-arm swing bowlers. Arshdeep is a lot quicker than people give him due for. He can bowl at 140 kph and he has got a lively bouncer. He is a very clever bowler with the skills to bowl at the end.”
India will face England in the second semifinal on Thursday at Adelaide Oval.
