Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has endorsed Arshdeep Singh for a place in India’s playing XI for the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan, following the young pacer’s match-winning performance against Sri Lanka at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
In the Super Over, Arshdeep conceded just two runs and claimed two wickets, sealing India’s path to the final. During regular play, he dismissed Kamindu Mendis and finished with figures of 4-0-46-1, showcasing his composure under pressure, particularly in the penultimate over of Sri Lanka’s chase.
Pathan, who played 24 T20Is for India, highlighted Arshdeep’s yorker skills, comparing him with Jasprit Bumrah. “He’s as cool as ice. Under pressure, he asks for the ball and delivers yorkers when it matters. Shoulder to shoulder with Bumrah, he performs brilliantly. He’s a bowler of that quality,” Pathan told broadcasters.
Arshdeep’s place in the team
While team management sometimes prefers extra batting depth by including Shivam Dube as an all-rounder, Pathan argued that Arshdeep’s presence in the XI is invaluable. “I’ve been saying from day one—he should always play. In tight matches, having yorkers from both ends is crucial. Today’s match proved it went right down to the wire. In my team, Arshdeep will always be there,” he added.
Arshdeep Singh recently became the first Indian male cricketer to reach 100 T20I wickets, achieving the milestone in just 64 matches, making him the fastest pace bowler from a full-member nation to do so.
With his lethal yorkers and nerve under pressure, Arshdeep Singh looks set to be a key weapon for India in the highly anticipated final against Pakistan on September 28, 2025.
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