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"Shoulder to shoulder with Bumrah…,": Irfan Pathan on Arshdeep's Importance for India

Arunima Purohit

Arshdeep Singh [Source: @Rajiv1841]Arshdeep Singh [Source: @Rajiv1841]

India are set to clash against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 final on September 28. Despite stellar performances throughout the tournament, the Men in Blue were stuck in a difficult situation during their last Super Four match against Sri Lanka on September 26. After scoring 202 runs in the first innings, the Indian bowlers couldn’t defend the score, and the game went into a Super Over. 

In crunch situations like these and Jasprit Bumrah’s absence, captain Suryakumar Yadav turned to his best bowler, Arshdeep Singh, to bowl in the Super Over. The left-arm bowler conceded just two runs, and India maintained their winning streak in the tournament. Looking at his performance, former cricketer Irfan Pathan made bold statements about the bowlers.

Irfan Pathan comes in support of Arshdeep Singh

Arshdeep Singh is an incredible bowler who has shown his skills multiple times. However, the management decided to go for an extra batter in the form of Shivam Dube, keeping Arshdeep out of the playing XI in most of the matches in the Asia Cup 2025. 

Coming to his defense, Irfan Pathan spoke about the importance of having the bowler in the team and how he nails the yorkers at the right time. Moreover, Pathan mentioned that Arshdeep would always be on his team.  

“Look, first of all, he’s as cool as ice, mate. Under pressure, he asks for the ball. He bowls when it matters, and whenever it’s the last over, he nails the yorkers. He’s ready. Shoulder to shoulder with Bumrah, he delivers those yorkers. I think he’s a bowler of that quality. I’ve been saying this from day one — it’s not just about today. He should always be in the playing XI, because there are situations when you need yorkers from both ends. You saw it yourself today — the match went right down to the wire,” Irfan told the broadcasters after the match. 


“But the team thought we needed longer batting. And if you want longer batting, then Shivam Dube plays as an all-rounder. Now, if he’s playing, Arshdeep doesn’t get a spot. But in my team, Arshdeep will always be there. And I’ve been saying this from the very first day,” added Irfan Pathan. 

Will Arshdeep Singh play in Asia Cup 2025 final?

After giving an outstanding performance in the Super Four match against Sri Lanka, Arshdeep Singh’s position in the playing XI is still unclear. Since it’s an important match, Jasprit Bumrah will return to the playing XI. In that case, Arshdeep Singh must stay out of the final game. 

However, if the management decides to go with an extra bowler instead of a batter, Arshdeep might get a chance to play in the finals. Hence, seeing India’s playing XI in the Asia Cup final will be interesting.