By India Today Sports Desk: Former India batter Aakash Chopra has called India pacer Arshdeep Singh a player for the long haul who can play all three formats. Arshdeep has been named in India’s Asian Games squad, which are set to begin on September 23.
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Speaking on his Youtube channel, Chopra said he is surprised that Arshdeep has been added to the Asian Games squad. Arshdeep is part of India’s first team to play in the 2023 Asian Games.
“I am surprised Arshdeep Singh’s name is in this team. I am surprised because they are not considering him for ODIs at all. You didn’t consider him for the T20Is as well in the West Indies. Now you are not considering him for the Asia Cup and are already keeping him out of the World Cup list. What has happened?,” said Chopra.
He went on to say there’s huge upside to Arshdeep, insisting that he can play all three formats for India. Arshdeep has picked 41 wickets in 26 matches in T20Is for India.
“When I see Arshdeep Singh, it seems like there is a huge upside, he is a player for the long haul and can play all three formats, at least both white-ball formats, but they have not kept him currently. I am a little intrigued about Mukesh Kumar. He is part of all three formats for the West Indies tour. He is in the ODI team as well, so he might be in the race for the Asia Cup as well but you have removed him from the World Cup race,” Chopra added.
Chopra said India will need a fourth fast-bowling option apart from Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj going into the World Cup. Mukesh Kumar has been picked for India’s all three squads for the ongoing tour of West Indies.
“Maybe you are thinking Bumrah, Shami and everyone will be fit there. Bumrah, Shami, Siraj – who will be the fourth one? That will be a question. Arshdeep or Mukesh Kumar could have been there but they are not there. So is Umran Malik that player who the Indian team is thinking about because you will need a fourth pacer?,” said Chopra.