Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra believes Arshdeep Singh’s presence in India’s playing XI opens up more bowling options for Jasprit Bumrah. As Singh can take the new ball, Chopra said Bumrah can bowl at three different stages of the innings – Powerplay, middle and death overs.

While Singh returned with figures of 1-31 in his quota of four overs, Bumrah went wicketless and conceded 29 runs in the three overs he bowled. Bumrah bowled one over in the Powerplay over, one in the middle and one at the fag end of the innings. The gun fast bowler didn’t have the rub of the green on his side as Rinku Singh dropped an easy catch of Mark Chapman on his bowling.

Aakash Chopra said on ESPN Cricinfo, “Bumrah will not actually get to bowl with the new ball if Arshdeep is bowling. Bumrah [thus] gets the role that we all feel is better suited for India, where he doesn’t have to bowl three with the new ball and only one in the death overs. He gets two for his death overs.

“He may not have to actually even bowl two with the new ball in the powerplay overs. Bowl one in the middle to break a partnership and keep two at the bottom. And that can only happen if Arshdeep plays,” the 48-year-old went on to explain.

The renowned commentator added that Arshdeep Singh’s presence will keep Kuldeep Yadav out of the team. Yadav didn’t have a great ODI series against the Kiwis, taking three wickets at an average of 60.67.

He concluded, “It is quite likely that he won’t actually find a place in the side. Because, if there is a stage where you need another fast bowler, it could be Harshit Rana batting at eight.”

Varun Chakravarthy is India’s first-choice spinner in the T20I team and he returned with figures of 2-37 in his four overs against the Blackcaps.

The second T20I between India and New Zealand will be played at Raipur on Friday.