CSK star announced as Arshdeep Singh’s alternative ahead of Asia Cup 2025

Former India National Cricket Team all-rounder Irfan Pathan has lavished high praise on the 26-year-old left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh.

Irfan Pathan said that Arshdeep Singh is the "No. 1 bowler in white-ball cricket" for the India National Cricket Team, and he also went on to name a left-arm pacer who is closest to him.

Arshdeep Singh - India's top wicket-taker in T20Is

The Punjab pacer Arshdeep Singh is undoubtedly one of the best pacers in Indian cricket, and when it comes to white-ball cricket, especially T20I cricket, his impact is quite similar to the best in the world, Jasprit Bumrah.

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Arshdeep Singh has emerged as one of the top performers for India in 20-over cricket since making his debut in Southampton on July 7, 2022, against the England National Cricket Team.

Currently, he is India's leading wicket-taker in T20I cricket and is in line to become the first bowler from the country to complete 100 wickets in T20 Internationals.

Overall, the Punjab pacer has played 63 T20I matches and bagged 99 wickets at an average of 18.30, an economy of 8.29, and a strike rate of 13.2.

Khaleel ticks all these boxes - Irfan Pathan

In a recent interview, Irfan Pathan said that the next best option after Arshdeep Singh in Indian cricket as a left-arm pacer is Khaleel Ahmed because he can bowl at around 140 kmph, swing the ball both ways, and has got a good bouncer.

“Arshdeep (Singh) is our No. 1 bowler in white-ball cricket, and there is no doubt about it. But after Arshdeep, if we must talk about someone who has the skill – and as a left-arm fast bowler, you need a few things like the ability to bowl around the speed of 135-140 (kmph), swing the ball both ways, bowl bouncers – Khaleel ticks all these boxes, and is now improving more," Pathan was quoted as saying to RevSportz.

He has improved his slow bouncer - Irfan Pathan

Irfan Pathan further praised Khaleel Ahmed for constantly making improvements in his game. The former India all-rounder said that Khaleel is currently at his peak, which he needs to maintain for the next 4-5 years.

“He has improved his slow bouncer, his seam position is better, and he has improved his fitness as well. So, he has all the potential to play at his peak, which is right now, and the next 4-5 years. It’s all about being in the right place, at the right time, and performing in crucial situations. He had a really good season with CSK, and being there as well does help. Hopefully, he’ll be able to make it really big within the next 5 to 6 years," Irfan Pathan added.

Notably, Khaleel Ahmed has already played 11 ODIs and 18 T20Is for India, but is currently nowhere near the setup. However, he impressed everyone with his performance for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2025, where he bagged 15 wickets at an average of 29.80, an economy of 9.57, and a strike rate of 18.6.

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