Fast bowler Arshdeep Singh, at just 25, has already joined the ranks of T20I greats, in terms of wicket-taking ability. The left-arm pacer is only a few poles away from setting a new record for most wickets by an Indian bowler in the format. Since his debut in July 2022, no bowler from a Test-playing nation has managed to take even 70 wickets, while Arshdeep has claimed 89 from 58 matches at an impressive average of 18.
Speaking to the press on the eve of the third T20I between South Africa and India at SuperSport Park in Centurion, Arshdeep credited his success to maintaining a clear mind and learning from the best in the Indian dressing room. The Punjab bowler attributed his achievements to having “a really good bowling partner” in Jasprit Bumrah and highlighted his adaptability to different conditions and match situations.
“I just try to enjoy the present and have fun on the field and off the field. That’s been my mantra. Playing along with some legends of the game and learning from them about mental and physical preparation… that’s why I feel I have grown my game. I am trying to learn from wherever I can and do well for the team,” Arshdeep said.
“I have told this before as well: I have had a really good bowling partner in Jasprit Bhai. He has helped me enormously in taking wickets by creating pressure from the other end. Credit goes to him. And the main thing is how well I am able to adapt to the conditions and match situation is important. I look to attack the batters early, and in the death, I look to outsmart the batters and bring the game back towards us,” he added.
Arshdeep is now just two wickets away from breaking Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s record for the most T20I wickets by an Indian fast bowler, having already equalled his partner-in-crime Bumrah’s total.
MOST WICKETS IN T20IS FOR INDIA
- Yuzvendra Chahal – 96 in 80 matches
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar – 90 in 87 matches
- Jasprit Bumrah – 89 in 70 matches
- Arshdeep Singh – 89 in 58 matches
Arshdeep has enjoyed a remarkable 2024 season, winning the T20 World Cup as the top wicket-taker with 17 dismissals. The left-arm quick also showcased his skills in the longer format, taking 17 wickets in five first-class matches, proving his potential with the red ball.
KEEP IT SIMPLE: ARSHDEEP’S DEATH-BOWLING MANTRA
Support and encouragement from the team management have helped Arshdeep evolve into a confident fast bowler. His approach to death-bowling in T20I cricket reflects the maturity he has developed early in his international career.
“The plans will be based on the conditions, how the pitch is playing, and the match situation. If you bowl at the death, you have good days and bad days. So, it’s important to be level-headed. You shouldn’t be thinking about it too much. When you bowl two overs at the start and two overs at the end, you can make the match for your team, but you can also be in the middle of a storm when the match slips away. It’s a big responsibility. I try to keep it simple and not overcomplicate things. I bowl according to the team’s demands,” he explained.
‘LOVE A HALF-VOLLEY FROM A SPINNER’
Despite not having exceptional batting statistics, Arshdeep has repeatedly shown he can hit a few big shots when needed. The left-arm pacer said he is putting effort into his batting and fielding to contribute more to the team.
“As long as the wicket is flat and bowlers are medium-pace, I love it. I love a half-volley from a spinner. Yes, I am trying my best to contribute with the bat whenever I get a chance. Even in the nets, I challenge myself to improve in all three aspects of the game—batting, bowling, and fielding. The idea has always been to excel in all three areas, and it’s the same for me personally,” he added.
Having started the T20I series with two wickets in as many games, Arshdeep will be keen to maintain his momentum with both the new and old ball in the remaining two matches. The conditions in Centurion and Johannesburg will pose different challenges, but the milestones within reach provide him with extra motivation.
