Asia Cup 2025 final: Former India all-rounder backs Arshdeep Singh to play against Pakistan

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan praised Arshdeep Singh, saying he deserves a spot in the Asia Cup final after his impressive performance against Sri Lanka on Friday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The left-arm pacer conceded just two runs and took two wickets in the Super Over, helping India secure a place in the final against Pakistan.

During regulation play, Arshdeep dismissed Kamindu Mendis and finished with figures of 4-0-46-1, also showing composure in the penultimate over of Sri Lanka’s chase. Pathan, who played 24 T20Is for India, noted that Arshdeep’s execution of yorkers is on par with Jasprit Bumrah.

“Look, first of all, he’s as cool as ice. Under pressure, he asks for the ball, bowls when it matters, and nails yorkers in the last over. He’s ready. Shoulder to shoulder with Bumrah, he delivers those yorkers. He’s a bowler of that quality,” Irfan told broadcasters after the match.

Pathan also mentioned that while the team management sometimes chooses extra batting depth by including Shivam Dube as an all-rounder, this often comes at the cost of Arshdeep’s spot in the XI.

However, Pathan emphasized that he believes the young pacer should always be part of the playing XI, as having yorkers from both ends is vital in tight situations.

“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 moments when you need yorkers from both ends. You saw today — the match went right down to the wire. But the team thought we needed deeper batting, so Shivam Dube played as an all-rounder. When he plays, Arshdeep misses out. But in my team, Arshdeep will always be there. I’ve been saying this from day one,” Irfan added.

Earlier, Arshdeep became the first Indian male cricketer to reach 100 T20I wickets, achieving the milestone in 64 matches and becoming the fastest pace bowler from a full-member nation to do so.