Arshdeep Singh’s Meteoric Rise in the ICC T20I Rankings: A New Star in Indian Bowling

Star batsmen like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma often dominate the cricket headlines. The iconic sound of leather colliding with the willow bats and the spectacle of batsmen navigating their way around the crease and finding gaps in the outfield are joys to behold. However, thanks to rising tales like Arshdeep Singh, the spotlight is shifting to the bowling department, and for good reason.

The 25-year-old left-arm pacer has recently been making waves and was instrumental in India’s impressive victory at the June 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Singh’s recent inclusion in the top ten of the ICC T20I bowler’s rankings highlights his growing stature on the international stage. Ranked 12th as of October 18, 2024, Singh’s consistency, pace, and precision continue to wow fans and pundits alike. He was ranked eighth earlier in the month.

From an Emerging talent to an International Sensation

Born in Guna, Singh moved with his family to Kharar near Chandigarh, where he cycled 13 kilometers daily to school. Like many young Indians, Singh’s first taste of cricket was playing gully cricket with friends, but he began receiving a cricketing education after joining Jaswant Rai’s cricket academy in 2015. Although talented, back then, nobody knew Singh would become a darling of those using the best online cricket betting apps in years to come.

Singh made his List A debut for Punjab in the 2018-19 Vijay Hazare Trophy in September 2018. Indian Premier League (IPL) outfit Kings XI Punjab bought Singh in December 2018, and he has since taken 76 wickets for an average of 27.00, an economy rate of 9.03, and a career-best BBM of 5/32.

His ability to consistently execute pinpoint yorkers and slower deliveries in the IPL has now transitioned into the international area, making Singh a deadly weapon in India’s T20I arsenal.

Climbing the ICC T20I Rankings

As of October 18, 2024, Singh ranks 12th in the ICC T20I bowlers rankings. His 635 ranking leaves him only seven points behind South Africa’s Anrich Nortje in tenth place. Earlier in the month, Singh was ranked as highly as eighth place following outstanding performances during the T20I series against Bangladesh, where he returned 3/14 in the opening match.

In that game, Singh dismissed players early in the innings and restricted Bangladesh to a below-par score. Singh’s well-disguised slower deliveries proved too much for the Bangladeshi batters. However, his performance against Bangladesh was not a one-off. Singh has steadily climbed the ranks since 2024. At the time of writing, he has played 56 T20I matches and taken 87 wickets for an average of 18.35 and an economy rate of 8.28. His 4/9 against the USA at the T20I World Cup set a new Indian record.

Singh’s Key Strengths

Singh’s versatility makes him a formidable T20 bowler because he always keeps batsmen guessing, particularly in the latter stages of a match. His ability to bowl at the death, a phase of the game where batters typically risk everything, has halted many teams in their tracks. Singh’s slower balls and well-executed yorkers are as effective at stifling runs in the final overs as his pace bowling.

Additionally, Singh has shown an impressive ability to adapt to different playing conditions. He has been effective on the slow, turning Indian pitches as much as he has on the bouncy tracks of Australia. Singh finished as the highest wicket-taker in the 2023 T20I series in New Zealand, picking up seven wickets at an average of 14.14, proving he can influence games regardless of where they are played.

Singh’s mental toughness is an aspect of his game that often goes unnoticed by the untrained eye. The final overs of a T20 match are perhaps the most demanding for any bowler, yet Singh seems to relish these high-pressure situations. He always remains calm and composed, which is why some draw comparisons to renowned Indian bowlers like Zaheer Khan.

What Lies Ahead for Singh?

After beating Bangladesh 3-0, the Indian T20I team heads to South Africa for a four-game series in November. Following his four wickets and incredible 5.85 economy against Bangladesh, Singh is widely expected to lead the Indian pace attack alongside Harshit Rana and Mayank Yadav. South Africa poses a more significant threat than Bangladesh as the team is ranked three places and 21 rating points higher. Still, India goes into the series as the favorites.

Should Singh perform as expected, he will likely continue in a starring role when India hosts England in a T20I series in January 2025. From there, India and Singh’s attention will turn to the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, providing ample opportunities for the 25-year-old to showcase his skills on the international stage and against elite-level opposition.

Then there is the 2025 IPL, where Singh can show the cricketing world what he is made of. Following his meteoric rise up the bowling rankings, Singh will find himself being closely scrutinized during the upcoming IPL. A strong showing in the aforementioned series and tournaments, notably the IPL, would all but guarantee Singh a place in the 2026 edition of the ICC T20 World Cup, which takes place in India and Sri Lanka.

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