Aakash Chopra reveals how Arshdeep Singh can make it into India’s playing XI in Asia Cup

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has highlighted how Arshdeep Singh can get into India’s playing in the Asia Cup if the team’s think tank keeps backing a batter at the number eight position. In such a scenario, the renowned commentator reckons either Varun Chakravarthy or Kuldeep Yadav will have to sit out.

In the first two matches of the continental tournament, India has backed a spin-heavy final XI, playing with a solitary frontline pacer in Jasprit Bumrah. Kuldeep has been brilliant for the team, bagging seven wickets in two games at an average of 3.57 and an economy rate of 4.05. Furthermore, Varun has scalped two wickets in as many games at an economy rate of 4.57.

Meanwhile, Arshdeep Singh is India’s most successful T20I bowler with 99 scalps under his belt.

“In whose place can he come, the answer to that question is very simple. They will have to make a call whether they need a batter at No. 8 or not. If a batter is needed at No. 8, one of Kuldeep and Varun will have to sit out, and then he will play,” Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.

The renowned commentator reckons Arshdeep can replace Shivam Dube in the final XI if India doesn’t need batting depth.

“If India say that their batting has become good enough for them not to need a batter after No. 7, you can make him straightforwardly jump in in place of Shivam Dube. So Arshdeep, Bumrah, Varun, Axar and Kuldeep will be your five bowlers, plus Hardik Pandya, as you would need six, but then you don’t need Shivam Dube,” he observed.

The cricket analyst reckons Arshdeep Singh will play against Oman as Jasprit Bumrah could be rested.

“At this point in time, I feel India want a batter at No. 8, so you will definitely see Axar Patel there. For now, there will be only one fast bowler, but as soon as playing a second fast bowler will become a compulsion, although I feel he will play against Oman as Bumrah will rest, but come the World Cup or even Australia, you will have to drop one spinner,” he said.

India will next take on Oman at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi on Friday.