“Arshdeep Singh made use of the new ball quite well” - Irfan Pathan on why Punjab pacer is a must for India

After the Men in Blue defeated South Africa in the inaugural Twenty20 International on Tuesday, December 9, in Cuttack, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan talked about Arshdeep Singh's significance to the team. According to Pathan, it is essential to consistently include Arshdeep in the eleven because of his exceptional control when swinging the ball both ways.

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At the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, India had to defend 175 under what appeared to be dew conditions, and the left-arm seamer was really sharp with the new ball. The 26-year-old put South Africa behind early by dismissing Quinton de Kock for a two-ball duck and defeating Tristan Stubbs for 14.

In a recent video released to his YouTube account 'Irfan Pathan,' the 41-year-old stated that Arshdeep is the best bowler for exploiting swinging and seaming situations.

"When it comes to bowling, Arshdeep Singh made use of the new ball quite well and dismissed Quinton de Kock in the opening over. Ball swung both ways when he bowled and the control was outstanding. That’s why Arshdeep Singh must play regularly, especially in conditions where the ball wouldn’t grip as much. Jasprit Bumrah bowled equally well and he achieved a unique record of picking up 100 wickets in all three formats. It’s legendary, there’s no doubt about it. The expectation is for him to stay fit," Pathan said.

Pathan went on to admit that the mix of two true fast bowlers and two seam-bowling all-rounders is working incredibly well for India.

"When there are three fast bowlers, including Hardik Pandya, with Shivam Dube also there, it also helps Suryakumar Yadav to utilize Bumrah well - whether he wants to bowl one or two overs initially or bowl him in the middle if he must break a partnership. That’s why three fast bowlers, including Pandya -this combination is extremely good," he added.

Hardik Pandya starred with the bat, scoring 59* and taking India to 175/6. Arshdeep, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, and Axar Patel snared two wickets each to bowl the Proteas out for 74.

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Pathan also praised leg-spinner Varun Chakravarthy for returning forcefully with a wicket maiden after being out for 12 runs in one over.

"Varun Chakravarthy went for runs in his first over but made a good comeback. It shows how mentally strong he is. The way Axar Patel dismissed Aiden Markram was praiseworthy. Jitesh Sharma also deserves praise for his wicket-keeping. He played a good cameo with the bat. But the way he dove forward while keeping, it’s not easy, especially off the inside edge. Even the keeping against Varun Chakravarthy was excellent as he rode the bounce well to catch the ball. His eyes was always on the ball,” he added.

The second T20I will take place on Thursday, December 11, in New Chandigarh, Mullanpur stadium.

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