Champions Trophy: In-form Arshdeep Singh could hold key for India
What's the story
Young left-arm fast bowler Arshdeep Singh is taking the cricketing world by storm.
His stunning performance in last year's T20 World Cup even got him praises from Sunil Gavaskar, who opined that the fast bowler could do well in Test cricket too.
Arshdeep is a part of India's squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. Many experts even back him to be a part of India's first-choice XI.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Arshdeep has emerged as India's first-choice bowler in T20Is.
His match-winning spells helped them claim the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup title.
With 99 wickets at 18.30, he is even India's leading wicket-taker in T20Is.
Though his experience in the 50-over format is bleak, the left-arm pacer adds a different dimension to the pace attack.
He might need to compete with Harshit Rana, another young pacer, for a place in India's CT XI.
Consistent performer
Arshdeep secures spot in India's ODI team
Arshdeep's relentless performance with the white ball has earned him a place in India's ODI team.
As mentioned, Tthe Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee has picked him for the recent three-match series against England, and the ICC Champions Trophy.
He has made a decent start in ODI cricket, scalping 14 wickets from nine games at 23. This includes a four-wicket haul and a fifer.
The pacer claimed two wickets in the only match he played in the England ODI series.
Record breaker
Arshdeep's best ODI performance in South Africa
Arshdeep's best show in the ODI came during a series in South Africa in December 2023.
He took 10 wickets in three matches, giving away only 95 runs in 27 overs. This brilliant performance was instrumental in India's series win.
He also played two games during India's last ODI assignment against Sri Lanka last year, further establishing himself as a dependable player for Team India.
Rising star
Most wickets in VHT 2024
Arshdeep's domestic success also includes taking 20 wickets in just seven appearances for Punjab in the 2024 Vijay Hazare Trophy.
He finished as the highest wicket-taker. The feat contributed greatly to his inclusion in the CT squad.
Overall, he boasts 55 wickets across 33 List A games at 24.30 (5W: 2).
With Jasprit Bumrah's being unavailable for the Champions Trophy, the left-arm pacer could be asked to shoulder more responsibility alongside Mohammed Shami and Rana.