'He needs to play more First-class cricket’ - Former Pakistan cricketer Wasim Akram's advice on young India pacer

Wasim Akram (Source: Twitter)

Wasim Akram has appreciated young Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh and considered him to play well for team India. Akram has also advised Arshdeep to increase his pace. For years, the Indian team has been searching for a left-arm pacer, but this time the 24-year-old pacer can be considered a big find in this voyage. The Punjab-born pacer will feature for the Indian side in the upcoming T20I series against West Indies, starting August 3. 

The left-arm pacer performed well in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 with 17 wickets, including his best figure of 4/29. He is a reliable death-over bowler for the Rohit Sharma-led side, especially at the last T20 World Cup. Arshdeep has taken a total of 41 wickets in 26 matches he has played for India since his debut in July 2022. Singh's fame and glory came after his incredible performance for the Men in Blue in the Asia Cup 2022 in the UAE last year. 

Wasim Akram's advice to Arshdeep Singh

"I saw him. He has a future. I said it during last year's Asia Cup as well that he should play long. He has the swing but pace-wise, he needs to play more First-Class cricket to increase his speed. He is young and I like the way he bowls. He is a wicket-taker. The more he plays, the muscles will grow and he will be able to generate more pace,” said Akram on Radio Haanji. 

The young India pacer is set to shine along with Umran Malik, Avesh Khan, and Mukesh Kumar in the five matches T20I series. However, the left-arm pacer was not able to find his name in the ODI series in the Caribbean. The 24-year-old pacer has played three 50-over format matches but has not been able to pick up any wickets. Although Arshdeep's performances in T20Is for the Men in Blue are undeniable, he is expected to get a place in the playing XI for the five T20I series, starting at Brian Lara Stadium on Thursday, August 3.