Mohammed Siraj kicked aside as Anil Kumble picks Arshdeep Singh as India's second-best pacer

Former Indian head coach Anil Kumble praised left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh for his impressive bowling performance against the United States of America (USA) in the T20 World Cup 2024. Anil Kumble suggested that Arshdeep Singh should be preferred over Mohammed Siraj if India opts for just two seamers.

Arshdeep Singh registered his career-best figures of 4/9 against the United States of America at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on Wednesday, June 12. The left-arm pacer demonstrated his bowling prowess in both powerplay and death overs, earning the "Player of the Match" award.

Arshdeep Singh Can Bowl In Different Areas - Anil Kumble

Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Anil Kumble stated that Arshdeep Singh is ahead of Mohammed Siraj if the Indian team picks just two seamers and Hardik Pandya. Kumble highlighted Arshdeep's recent performances and added that his left-arm pace could give him the edge over Mohammed Siraj in the team selection.

"I think so. I think the way Arshdeep Singh 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 Mohammed Siraj. If at all India takes that option of going with just the two seamers and Hardik Pandya. So yes, in that sense, plus he also gives you an extra variety with his left arm pace. So overall, he must be happy. He'll be happy with the confidence that he's got from this game," Kumble told ESPNcricinfo.

We Didn't See That Much In The IPL - Varun Aaron

During the same discussion, former Indian pacer Varun Aaron noted Arshdeep Singh's ability to swing the ball into right-handers, which he felt was not as prevalent during the IPL. Aaron emphasized the importance of Arshdeep maintaining this form heading into the Super 8s matches.

"He (Arshdeep) is been getting the ball to shape back really effortlessly and at regular intervals, which we didn't see that much in the IPL. It's really important that he takes a lot of confidence from this game into the other games, especially the Super 8s. And especially these games are more about execution, and he executed really well today," Aaron stated.

Rohit Sharma opted to field after winning the toss. The USA managed to score 110/8 in their allotted 20 overs. Nitish Kumar top-scored for the USA team, scoring 27 runs off 23 balls, including two fours and a six. Arshdeep Singh took 4 wickets for 9 runs, while Hardik Pandya claimed 2 wickets for 14 runs.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were dismissed for single-digit scores during the run chase. India lost Rishabh Pant's wicket at 39 in 7.3 overs. Suryakumar Yadav scored 50 runs off 49 balls, and Shivam Dube added 31 off 35 balls. The duo rescued India with a crucial unbeaten 72-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

Arshdeep Singh will be next seen in action when the Indian team takes on Canda in their last group stage match at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground in Lauderhill, Florida, on Saturday, June 15.

Also read: 'Virat Kohli is not out-of-form' - Aakash Chopra's surprising verdict on batter's awful run in T20 World Cup 2024