Not Mitchell Starc! Wasim Akram speaks about Arshdeep Singh as he gives '10' rating to this left-arm pacer

Published - 03 Jul 2024, 07:47 PM | Updated - 03 Jul 2024, 07:48 PM

Arshdeep Singh, Mitchell Starc and Trent Boult
Arshdeep Singh, Mitchell Starc and Trent Boult {PC:X}

Former Pakistan cricketer Wasim Akram rated the performances of left-arm pacers Trent Boult, Arshdeep Singh, Mitchell Starc, and Mustafizur Rahman after the T20 World Cup 2024. The fast bowling legend came up with interesting ratings and explained the reason behind that.

For Arshdeep Singh, Wasim Akram came up 8 rating and called the India bowler impressive and talented. The former fast bowler also suggests the youngster focus on red-ball cricket because he feels that the bowler can swing the ball both ways and has the potential to be a regular player for the team.

Wasim Akram believes that if the fast bowler can make a mark in Test cricket then he will leave a legacy behind. He stated that Arshdeep Singh should have the same mindset as he has the potential to be successful. Speaking to Sportskeeda, he explained:

"I think very impressive, very talented. He should be focusing on 4-day cricket too. He has the swing, the pace. He swings both. His new ball comes in perfectly. I think he's got the potential to be a regular bowler to play for India. And I hope he gets Test cricket in his mind. Because he'll make money in T20. You'll be famous in T20 for a year. 

"But if you want to leave a legacy, then you'll have to think about long cricket. When people retire today, even after 10-20 years, they still say, there was a bowler in the history of cricket who didn't have such a bowler. So this should be the mindset of every young bowler. No doubt, he's got the potential. I'll give him an 8."

Arshdeep Singh came up with a magical performance for India in the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2024. The fast bowler ended the tournament as the leading wicket-taker with 17 wickets to his name. His sensational performance saw India win the ICC tournament after 11 years.

Wasim Akram then went on rate to Mitchell Starc, saying: "I'll give him a 9.75." 

Wasim Akram rates Mustafizur Rahman and Trent Boult 

While talking about Mustafizur Rahman, Wasim Akram talked about how the pacer manages to bowl cutters with perfection. He wasn't amazed with the fast bowler not playing Test cricket and rated him 7 out of 10. He elaborated: 

"His action doesn't change. He holds the ball like this and does it like this. Instead of opening his fingers. So that's why he's consistent. And again, he also has an injury problem. He doesn't like Test cricket. So yeah. But again, we're talking about the T20 format. So he's quite good at it, especially with his cutters. Now he's learnt a new ball in swing. He's a bit better at it. Earlier, he'd only cross the ball. Now he's become a bit more predictable. That's what he's learnt in the last few days. I.will give him 7."

Not Mitchell Starc! Wasim Akram speaks about Arshdeep Singh as he picks best left-arm pacer in world

According to Wasim Akram, Trent Boult is one of the best left-arm pacers. He pointed out how the fast bowler isn't always satisfied with his performances and touted him as a genuine wicket-taker. The Pakistan legend rated the Kiwi pacer 10, saying:

"I rate him well. He's played a lot in Test cricket. He's played a lot of cricket. He's a sensible bowler. He still wants to learn. And that shows that he's not satisfied with himself as a bowler. His performance is consistent. He's retired. He's played in. Leagues everywhere. But he gives you wickets. For me, in the last 10 years, if anyone is the top left-arm bowler after Starc, then I'll name him (Trent Boult). I give him 10. He's got the ability."