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Irfan Pathan praised Arshdeep Singh as India’s top T20I bowler but named Khaleel Ahmed as the next best left-arm fast bowling option for India.
India pacer Arshdeep Singh (PTI)
Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan praised India’s top T20I wicket-taker Arshdeep Singh for his exceptional performance in white-ball cricket. Pathan identified Khaleel Ahmed as the closest alternative to the left-armer’s prowess. Khaleel, who led Chennai Super Kings’ pace attack in the last edition of the IPL, was singled out by Pathan.
Arshdeep has become a key player in India’s fast-bowling lineup over the past couple of years. His significant contribution to India’s T20 World Cup-winning campaign in 2024, where he ended as the joint-highest wicket-taker with 17 wickets, underscores his importance. With 99 wickets from 63 matches, Arshdeep is just one wicket away from becoming the first Indian to claim 100 T20I wickets.
Who After Arshdeep Singh?
Pathan considered the next best option, fitting Arshdeep’s profile and named Khaleel Ahmed as the top contender. He believes Khaleel’s ability to bowl between 135 kph and 140 kph, swing the ball both ways, and deliver effective bouncers makes him an excellent choice after Arshdeep. Pathan stated Khaleel ticks all these boxes and is continuously improving.
“Arshdeep (Singh) is our No. 1 bowler in white-ball cricket, and there is no doubt about it. But after Arshdeep, if we must talk about someone who has the skill – and as a left-arm fast bowler, you need a few things like the ability to bowl around the speed of 135-140 (kmph), swing the ball both ways, bowl bouncers – Khaleel ticks all these boxes, and is now improving more,” Pathan was quoted as saying to Revsportz.
Khaleel last played for India in T20Is in Sri Lanka last year, where he went wicketless on a spinner-friendly Pallekelle pitch and conceded 28 runs in three overs during the third T20I. Since then, Khaleel has worked hard and emerged as a leading wicket-taking option for CSK, particularly in the powerplay during the previous IPL season. He took 15 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 29.80. Pathan believes Khaleel has the potential to perform at his peak in crucial situations.
Pathan highlighted Khaleel’s improved slow bouncer, better seam position, and enhanced fitness, asserting that he has the potential to play at his best for the next 4-5 years. He emphasised the importance of being in the right place at the right time and performing in critical situations. Pathan expressed hope that Khaleel would achieve significant success in the coming years.
“He has improved his slow bouncer, his seam position is better, and he has improved his fitness as well. So, he has all the potential to play at his peak, which is right now, and the next 4-5 years. It’s all about being in the right place, at the right time, and performing in crucial situations. He had a really good season with CSK, and being there as well does help. Hopefully, he’ll be able to make it really big within the next 5 to 6 years,” Irfan Pathan added.
Currently, Khaleel is not part of India’s T20I squad, having missed out on a spot in the Asia Cup 15-player team. The tournament begins on September 9, with India’s campaign starting the next day against the UAE.
(With inputs from ANI)
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin…Read More
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin… Read More
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