Arshdeep Singh played a key role in India’s historic win in the recently concluded ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. He led the Men in Blue’s pace attack along with leading fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, and finished the tournament with 9 wickets in 8 matches. During the Super 8, Arshdeep also overtook Jasprit Bumrah (33 wickets) to become the highest wicket-taker for India in T20 World Cup history. However, former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan believes that Arshdeep is losing the ability to swing the new ball.
Arshdeep Singh is included in the elite list of Indian bowlers who are capable of swinging the ball both ways. Although we have seen incredible improvement in his performances over the years, he has often led the bowling attack in the absence of star bowler Jasprit Bumrah. Pathan noted an agreement. According to the former Indian great, although his overall consistency has improved, his natural ability to generate swing has diminished.
Pathan’s technical criticism: Development at the expense of swing?
While Arshdeep’s stats remain world-class, Irfan Pathan’s observation highlights the technical changes in the young bowler’s bowling. Early in his international career, Arshdeep was known for his ability to swing the ball to right-handed batsmen.
However, as he has developed into a versatile all-phase bowler, there are signs that he is now preferring to hit the deck and execute variations rather than traditional swing.
What matters is how he bowls with the new ball.
We are already familiar with Arshdeep Singh’s skills with the new ball, especially his ability to swing the ball. Despite a significant increase in his overall performance and accuracy, we have not seen much of his swing bowling in recent international games, which is a matter of concern for the Indian team, as that is what makes them different.
Talking about Arshdeep Singh on his YouTube channel, former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan said, “Arshdeep, who was your highest wicket-taker, has been taking wickets consistently. One thing he will definitely need to focus on is how he bowls with the new ball. Because in the last one year, or a little less than a year, as I have seen, he has not been bowling much inswing with the new ball.”
He needs to pay attention to this.
Moving on, the former Indian cricketer said that there has been a slight decline in Arshdeep’s figures with the new ball, which could be a matter of concern in the IPL and India’s upcoming ICC events. Pathan said, “There has been a slight decline in his figures in terms of bowling the new ball compared to before and after the Asia Cup. He will need to pay attention to this and also keep an eye on his economy rate.”
Arshdeep Singh’s IPL form
In recent years, Arshdeep Singh has emerged as one of the finest finds for the Indian team due to his swing-bowling ability and effectiveness in the death overs. Talking about his IPL form, it has been quite excellent. He has taken 97 wickets in 82 IPL matches since 2019 with an economy rate of around 9.
Arshdeep has been performing consistently for Punjab Kings since his IPL debut in 2019. He has taken 97 wickets in 82 matches for the franchise. He was retained by the Kings for ₹18 crore ahead of the 2025 IPL auction and played a key role in taking his team to the final, where they eventually lost to first-time winners Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
He is also India’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is with 127 wickets in 84 matches. If Punjab Kings aim to finish the season with a trophy, Arshdeep is expected to play a key role. Arshdeep Singh Will be seen playing his first match against Gujarat Titans On March 31, 2026 New PCA International Cricket Stadium In Mullanpur, Chandigarh.
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