"Wasim Akram told me.."- Arshdeep Singh reveals Pakistan Pacer's advice

Young Indian bowler Arshdeep Singh opened up about legendary Pakistan bowler Wasim Akram's advice on focusing on playing in the longer format of the game. Arshdeep Singh stated that Wasim Akram recently appreciated his ability to swing the ball both ways during the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in New York.

Arshdeep Singh was the top wicket-taker in the tournament, claiming 17 wickets at an economy rate of 7.16. The left-arm pacer delivered a standout performance with figures of 2/20 in the final. He conceded only four runs in the crucial 19th over, playing a pivotal role in India's seven-run victory over South Africa.

The 25-year-old has been a regular in India's T20I squad since his international debut in 2022. The left-arm pacer featured in 52 T20I matches and claimed 72 wickets. He has also played six ODIs but has not yet made his Test debut. He has played 16 first-class matches and taken 49 wickets at an average of 31.97.

I Met Wasim Akram In New York - Arshdeep Singh

Speaking to The Indian Express, Arshdeep Singh recalled Wasim Akram's compliments on his release point and ability to swing the ball during their recent meeting in New York. Arshdeep stated that Akram advised him to utilize his skillset in longer formats of the game.

"In the 2022 Asia Cup, he told me that my release point is good and that the ball is leaving my hand beautifully. Recently, when I met him in New York, he praised me for my ability to swing the ball both ways. In one of his interviews, he said that I must play red-ball cricket more with the skillset I possess," Arshdeep said.

Arshdeep Singh Has Got The Potential - Wasim Akram

In a recent interview, Wasim Akram praised Arshdeep Singh for his outstanding performance in the T20 World Cup. Akram encouraged Arshdeep to focus on playing Test cricket to leave a lasting legacy, considering his ability to swing the ball effectively.

"If you have to leave a legacy, you have to think about long-format cricket. People should be talking about you even 10-20 years after your retirement that no such bowler came in cricket history. These young bowlers should have that kind of mindset. No doubt, he has got the potential. I would give him eight," Akram told Sportskeeda.

"Very impressive, very talented. He should be focusing on four-day cricket too because he has swing and pace. He swings the ball both ways and the new ball comes in decently."

The Punjab-born cricketer climbed four places to achieve his highest T20I ranking at No. 13 in the latest update. Arshdeep was also named among the six Indian players included in the ICC's T20 World Cup 2024 team, alongside Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Suryakumar Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah.

Singh was rested from the upcoming five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe in away conditions. The young cricketer is expected to return to the team for the upcoming white-ball series, comprising three T20Is and three ODIs, against Sri Lanka, which is set to commence later this month in Sri Lanka.

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