Kamran Akmal Compares Arshdeep Singh to Zaheer Khan Ahead of Ind-Pak T20 WC Blockbuster

Guwahati: India has struggled to produce a top-class left-arm fast bowler since Zaheer Khan’s retirement. They have had the Khaleel Ahmeds and the Jaydev Unadkats but that quality was missing. Recently, young Arshdeep Singh – who picked up three wickets against South Africa in the T20I opener – has shot to limelight with his promising performances with limited opportunities. Impressed by the left-arm pacer, former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal has now compared him to Zaheer.

“Arshdeep Singh is an incredible bowler. I think India have found their new Zaheer Khan,” Akmal said in a video uploaded on his YouTube channel.

“Arshdeep has both, pace and swing, and he has that bowling intelligence. He’s mentally strong and knows his abilities, and uses them according to the conditions,” he explained.

“He first got Rilee Rossouw caught-behind, and then castled De Kock. But the best wicket was that of David Miller because he kept getting the ball to move away from him before bowling a sharp inswinger to bowl him out. He bowls brilliant and he is mature, has pace and is still young. It’s a good sign for Team India because they needed a left-armer after Zaheer Khan,” he added.

Arshdeep is part of India’s T20 WC squad and would be expected to open the bowling in all probability in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah.