As the T20 World Cup 2024 approaches, the debate over India’s bowling line-up has been buzzing. Irfan Pathan and Sanjay Manjrekar believe Arshdeep Singh should get a nod over Mohammad Siraj. The Pundits backed their claim saying Arshdeep provides more variety and options over Siraj. Furthermore, Siraj’s rather poor form in IPL 2024 has also caused a major headache for the Men in Blue.
Pundits back Arshdeep Singh over Mohammad Siraj
Sanjay Manjrekar emphasized the importance of variety in the bowling attack, highlighting Arshdeep’s left-arm seam as a perfect complement to the right-arm pace of Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya.
Manjrekar stated, “If India has to drop one, I would rather it be Mohammad Siraj because Arshdeep just gives that variety, he is the left arm bowler and then we have Bumrah and Hardik who are right-armed. It is just about that perfect combination- Sanjay Manjrekar it is just about that perfect combination.”
“Arshdeep should play because he has taken the most number of wickets in. T20 since the last year. Its not that Siraj cant swing the ball but its about consistency” resonated Irfan Pathan.
Why selecting Arshdeep Singh over Mohammad Siraj makes sense?
Arshdeep Singh in better form currently
Arshdeep Singh has been a standout performer in the IPL 2024 season. He claimed 21 wickets in 14 matches for Punjab Kings, boasting an impressive average of 19.85 and an economy rate of 7.80.
In contrast, Mohammad Siraj has struggled in the IPL 2024 season. Playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, he managed to pick up only 4 wickets in the first 6 matches, with an average of 57.25 and an economy rate of 9.85. However, he finished the season with 15 wickets in 14 games with an economy of 9.1.
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Arshdeep Singh’s better numbers in death overs
When analyzing performances during the death overs since 2022, it becomes evident that Arshdeep Singh outshines Mohammad Siraj. Arshdeep has bowled 126 overs, taking 64 wickets at an average of 19.3 and maintaining an economy rate of 9.8. On the other hand, Mohammad Siraj has bowled 47 overs in the death, claiming 19 wickets at an average of 24.7 with an economy rate of 10.0.
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets | Average | Economy Rate |
| Mohammad Siraj | 47 | 470 | 19 | 24.7 | 10 |
| Arshdeep Singh | 126 | 1235 | 64 | 19.3 | 9.8 |
Better fit for slower pitches of USA & WI
The pitches in the USA and West Indies are on the slower side. They will pay dividends to the slower bowlers and the spinners. In such a condition, India has the option of playing 3 pacers. Bumrah, Hardik and Arshdeep makes the cut. Jadeja and Kuldeep would be the ace spinners.
Should the need arise for another bowler, Shivam Dube can also roll out his arms, providing India with a 6th bowling option. Dube’s relatively slow pace, with a hint of turn can work wonders in the slow Caribbean pitches. Under such circumstances, Siraj who hasn’t been India’s best bowler in the shortest format of the game, can be effectively benched without harming the dynamics of the bowling set-up.
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