Champions Trophy: Former England coach warns Arshdeep amid Bumrah's absence
What's the story
Punjab's left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh is being seen as a potential replacement for Jasprit Bumrah in India's XI at the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. The development comes as India gear up for the tournament without Bumrah. Meanwhile, former England cricketer and coach David Lloyd pointed out this scenario as an opportunity for opposition teams to exploit. "Bumrah is the best bowler in the world, and if he isn't playing for you, you've got a problem," Lloyd said on TalkSport Cricket.
Adaptation advice
Lloyd advises Arshdeep to adapt quickly
Lloyd has advised Singh to adapt to the 50-over format quickly if he wants to make a mark. "This is not T20 mate, you've got to come back and come back again', that will be something he won't be used to," he added. Despite being India's highest T20I wicket-taker with 99 dismissals during the recent series against England, Singh has played just nine ODIs till now.
Format shift
Lloyd emphasizes the difference between T20 and ODI
Lloyd stressed on the major shift Singh will have to make from dominating T20 bowling to fulfilling the demands of 50-over cricket. He said, "Massive difference - four overs to 10. If you're the opposition, test him out; get into him." He further added that this is not a small party but a challenge that requires resilience and repeated efforts. Meanwhile, if the pacer makes the playing XI, expectations will be sky-high.
Track record
Singh's domestic and international performance
Notably, Singh was the leading wicket-taker in the recent Vijay Hazare Trophy, India's premier List A tournament, with 20 dismissals. He also claimed two wickets in his only ODI series appearance against England in Ahmedabad. Other specialist pacers in India's squad are Mohammed Shami and Harshit Rana. The Men in Blue will begin their campaign against Bangladesh on February 19 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Tournament outlook
Vengsarkar views India as favorites in Champions Trophy
Former India captain and chairman of selectors Dilip Vengsarkar sees India as favorites in the ICC Champions Trophy. He emphasized that bowling will be crucial, especially in Bumrah's absence. "Bumrah will be missed. He's an outstanding bowler and in ODIs, there are 10 overs to bowl," Vengsarkar was quoted as saying by Times Of India. He also highlighted the importance of all-rounders in the team, noting their ability to bat deep which could prove beneficial in Dubai conditions.
Stats
A look at Singh's ODI and List A numbers
With two wickets in the recent third ODI against England, the pacer raced to 14 ODI scalps at an average of 23.00. He owns an economy of 5.17, alongside one four-wicket haul and a fifer. His best inning performance reads 5/37, (vs South Africa in 2023). Meanwhile, in 33 List A matches he has bagged 55 scalps at 24.30. According to ESPNcricinfo, he owns an economy of 5.07, including four four-wicket hauls and two five-wicket hauls.