The Indian pacer recently shared that his bowling inspiration came from watching legendary left-arm fast bowlers Wasim Akram and Zaheer Khan during his childhood. Arshdeep revealed that he learned several key skills by studying their videos, which shaped his development as a bowler.
Arshdeep Singh: Since making his international debut in 2022, the 26-year-old has become a vital part of India’s T20I setup. During the Asia Cup 2025, he achieved the remarkable milestone of 100 wickets in the format.
With 101 wickets in 65 T20Is at an economy rate of 8.37, Arshdeep has earned praise for his exceptional death-over bowling. In the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash against Sri Lanka, he showcased his composure under pressure, conceding just two runs in the Super Over to guide India to victory.
Arshdeep Singh: “I Really Enjoyed Watching Wasim Akram’s Compilation Videos”
In a chat with Gaurav Kapur on Breakfast with Champions, Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh shared how legendary left-arm fast bowlers inspired his cricketing journey. He revealed that as a child, he often watched videos of Wasim Akram and Zaheer Khan to learn the art of swing bowling.
“I don’t think I’ve missed any video of left-arm pacers on YouTube. When it came to Yorkers, I loved Wasim Akram’s compilation videos. In all of them, he was just knocking the stumps over,” Arshdeep recalled.
Talking about his admiration for the Pakistani great, Arshdeep said,
“Watching a left-arm seamer swing the ball both ways against right-handers was fascinating. What a skill he had! And when it comes to reverse swing, I’ve also watched plenty of Zaheer Khan’s videos.”
Arshdeep Singh, The young pacer went on to discuss the effort required to master pace bowling, emphasizing that it takes relentless practice and patience.
Arshdeep Singh: “This skill demands hard work. Even [Lasith] Malinga says in his interviews that it’s not something you can learn overnight. My father and coach always told me — the more you practice, the better you get. If you bowl with 80% effort in practice, it becomes only half that during a match.”
As India gears up for the upcoming tour of Australia 2025, Arshdeep is preparing intensively. He has been named in both the ODI and T20I squads. The three-match ODI series will run from October 19 to 25, followed by five T20Is from October 29 to November 8.
