Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has identified left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh as the potential leader of the national team's fast-bowling unit in the coming years. Pathan's endorsement comes with a clear vision for the future, suggesting Arshdeep could step into a crucial role following the expected transition after the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Pathan's Vision for India's Bowling Future
Irfan Pathan, known for his sharp cricketing insights, made this significant observation while discussing the roadmap for Indian bowling. He emphasized the importance of planning for life after senior stalwarts like Mohammed Shami. Pathan explicitly stated that he expects Arshdeep Singh to "take on Mohammed Shami's role" in the Indian team setup in the near future. This is not a casual remark but a strategic prediction about the team's evolution.
The context of this statement is critical. Pathan believes the period following the ICC T20 World Cup in 2026 will be a pivotal phase for Indian cricket. It is then that he foresees a changing of the guard, where the responsibility of spearheading the pace attack will shift to the younger generation. Arshdeep Singh, with his skills and growing experience, is positioned as the prime candidate for this leadership role according to the former World Cup winner.
Why Arshdeep Singh Earns the Backing
Pathan's confidence in Arshdeep stems from the pacer's proven capabilities and temperament in high-pressure situations. Arshdeep has been a consistent performer for India in the shortest format, particularly during the death overs. His ability to execute yorkers and slower balls with precision under immense pressure has made him a valuable asset in T20Is.
Furthermore, Pathan highlighted a specific quality that sets Arshdeep apart: his effectiveness against right-handed batsmen. The left-arm angle he creates provides a natural challenge for the majority of batters, who are right-handed. This unique advantage adds a strategic layer to the bowling attack. Pathan's analysis suggests that Arshdeep is not just a bowler for the present but has the tools and mindset to develop into the attack's mainstay.
The Roadmap to 2026 and Beyond
The endorsement sets a clear timeline for this transition. The 2026 T20 World Cup is seen as a milestone. The Indian team management, including the selectors, now has a clear perspective from a respected voice like Pathan on how to nurture and develop their pace resources. The focus will be on grooming Arshdeep Singh to shoulder more responsibility and evolve from a specialist death bowler to the leader of the pack.
This transition plan also acknowledges the immense contributions of Mohammed Shami. Stepping into Shami's role is a tall order, given the veteran's match-winning abilities across formats. However, Pathan's statement is a vote of confidence in Arshdeep's potential to grow into that impactful role. It underscores the importance of succession planning in a sport where generations of players eventually pass the torch.
In conclusion, Irfan Pathan has placed a significant marker on the future of Indian fast bowling. By backing Arshdeep Singh as the heir apparent to Mohammed Shami's pivotal position, he has sparked a conversation about the team's long-term strategy. The coming years will be crucial for Arshdeep as he works towards fulfilling this prophecy and leading India's pace battery to new heights on the global stage.
