NEW DELHI: Former Indian spinner Anil Kumble has voiced for the selection of
Arshdeep Singh
over
Mohammed Siraj
for the upcoming
T20 World Cup
matches if India are to field only two regular pacers.
Kumble's recommendation is based on Arshdeep Singh's impressive performances in the ongoing T20 World Cup, particularly his career-best figures of 4/9 against the USA and his ability to bowl with precision in the death overs, as demonstrated in the match against Pakistan.
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"I think the way he bowled that last over against Pakistan, and also the way he can bowl in different areas in the T20 game, I think certainly puts him ahead of Mohamed Siraj. If at all India takes that option of going with just the two seamers and
Hardik Pandya
," the former Indian head coach told ESPNCricinfo (as quoted by IANS).
The decision to select Arshdeep or Siraj, or even to opt for a third spinner in the Caribbean conditions, will ultimately depend on the team management's strategy and the specific match situations. Both bowlers bring unique strengths to the table, and the selection should be based on a careful analysis of the opposition, pitch conditions, and the overall team balance.
"So yes, in that sense, plus he also gives you an extra variety with his left arm pace. So overall, he must be happy. And like Varun mentioned, he'll be happy with the confidence that he's got from this game," Kumble added.
It is worth mentioning that Arshdeep's performance against the USA, where he claimed four wickets and bowled with precision, has undoubtedly boosted his confidence and cemented his spot in the playing XI.