‘He has a future but pace-wise…’ – Wasim Akram gives Arshdeep Singh some invaluable advice

Wasim Akram and Arshdeep Singh. (Photo Source: Twitter)

India have been in search of a potent left-arm pacer ever since Zaheer Khan announced his retirement from cricket. The Men in Blue gave a few opportunities to players like Barinder Sran, Khaleel Ahmed, and Chetan Sakariya but eventually zeroed in on Arshdeep Singh. The Punjab pacer has fared well in his T20I career, picking up 41 wickets in 26 matches at an economy rate of 8.40.

Legendary Pakistani left-arm pacer Wasim Akram recently revealed that he has been impressed with Arshdeep Singh’s performances. However, the veteran reckons that there is room for improvement in terms of the pace at which Arshdeep bowls. Akram gave a few suggestions which he feels could help the Punjab pacer add a few clicks to his pace.

“I saw him. He has a future. I said it during last year’s Asia Cup as well that he should play long. He has the swing but pace-wise, he needs to play more First-Class cricket to increase his speed. He is young and I like the way he bowls. He is a wicket-taker. The more he plays, the muscles will grow and he will be able to generate more pace,” Akram said on Radio Haanji.

Arshdeep Singh set to feature for India in T20Is versus the West Indies

Arshdeep Singh could not find a place in India’s side for the three-match ODI series against the West Indies. The 24-year-old has played three ODIs till now and bowled 79 balls without picking a wicket. He has also conceded runs at an economy rate of 6.76.

However, Arshdeep’s impact for India in T20Is is undeniable, so he could be a critical factor in Hardik Pandya’s side for the five-match T20I series against the West Indies. The first T20I is going to be played at the Brian Lara Stadium on Thursday, August 3. Arshdeep played his last T20I for India against New Zealand in February 2023.