T20 World Cup 2024

Former Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal points out uncanny similarities between Arshdeep Singh and Wasim Akram

Arshdeep Singh is currently the leading wicket-taker for India at the 20-20 World Cup 2022.

Nov 1, 2022 7:04 pm

For the last few years, India have constantly been looking for a left-arm pacer but couldn’t get one to rely on. However, the arrival of Arshdeep Singh to the fore has, certainly, made the Indian bowling unit a force to be reckoned with. He impressed one and all with his fast bowling exploits in the Asia Cup 2022 and continued his fine form in the ongoing 20-20 World Cup 2022 as well.

The left-arm pacer began his campaign with an outstanding spell of 3 for 32 against Pakistan, which included the wicket of Pakistan skipper Babar Azam. He followed that up with another handy spell of 2 for 37 against the Netherlands. Defending a low score of 133 runs against South Africa, Arshdeep Singh began his spell with two wickets of Quinton de Kock and Rilee Rossouw in his very first over. He completed his four-over quota with figures of 2 for 25.

In a very short span of time, Arshdeep Singh has become an integral cog in India’s fast bowling unit. Thanks to his brilliant performances, he has received plaudits from across the globe. Recently, Pakistan’s former cricketer, Saeed Ajmal heaped praise on the Indian youngster and drew similarities between him and Pakistan’s legendary pacer, Wasim Akram.

“Arshdeep Singh… what a bowler. By his wrists, you can’t figure out what he is going to bowl – which ball he’ll move away or which one he’ll bring back in. I think after Zaheer Khan, he is the first Indian bowler whose swing and pace is not predictable, as a batsman you can’t predetermine. He gets two to move away, and then gets one to jag back in. That is the ball which is very difficult to face. Agar aap Wasim Akram to dekhein, toh woh bilkul yehi karte thhe (If you remember, Wasim Akram used to do the exact same thing). Arshdeep bowled brilliantly,” Ajmal said on his YouTube channel.