"That's why Arshdeep Singh must play regularly" - Former Indian cricketer's massive praise for star bowler after IND vs SA 2025 1st T20I

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has opened up on Arshdeep Singh's importance to the side after the Men in Blue's victory over South Africa in the first T20I on Tuesday, December 9, in Cuttack. Pathan opined that Arshdeep's ability to swing the ball both ways with immense control makes it crucial to include him regularly in the eleven.

The left-arm seamer was quite incisive with the new ball as India had to defend 175 under seemingly dew conditions at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. The 26-year-old removed Quinton de Kock for a two-ball duck and got the better of Tristan Stubbs for 14 to push South Africa on the back foot early.

Speaking in a recent video uploaded on his YouTube channel 'Irfan Pathan,' the 41-year-old said Arshdeep is the best bowler when it comes to exploiting swinging and seaming conditions.

"When it comes to bowling, Arshdeep Singh made use of the new ball quite well and dismissed Quinton de Kock in the opening over. Ball swung both ways when he bowled and the control was outstanding. That’s why Arshdeep Singh must play regularly, especially in conditions where the ball wouldn’t grip as much. Jasprit Bumrah bowled equally well and he achieved a unique record of picking up 100 wickets in all three formats. It’s legendary, there’s no doubt about it. The expectation is for him to stay fit," Pathan said.

Pathan went on to concede that the combination of two genuine fast bowlers along with two seam-bowling all-rounders is working exceptionally well for India.

"When there are three fast bowlers, including Hardik Pandya, with Shivam Dube also there, it also helps Suryakumar Yadav to utilize Bumrah well - whether he wants to bowl one or two overs initially or bowl him in the middle if he must break a partnership. That’s why three fast bowlers, including Pandya -this combination is extremely good," he added.

With the bat, Hardik Pandya starred with an unbeaten 59 (28) to propel India to 175/6 in 20 overs. Arshdeep, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, and Axar Patel snared two wickets each to bowl the Proteas out for 74.

"It shows how mentally strong he is" - Irfan Pathan on India star

Pathan also lauded leg-spinner Varun Chakravarthy for coming back strongly with a wicket maiden after having gone for 12 runs in an over. He said:

"Varun Chakravarthy went for runs in his first over but made a good comeback. It shows how mentally strong he is. The way Axar Patel dismissed Aiden Markram was praiseworthy. Jitesh Sharma also deserves praise for his wicket-keeping. He played a good cameo with the bat. But the way he dove forward while keeping, it’s not easy, especially off the inside edge. Even the keeping against Varun Chakravarthy was excellent as he rode the bounce well to catch the ball. His eyes was always on the ball."

The second T20I will take place on Thursday, December 11, in New Chandigarh