Punjab's Kharar boy Arshdeep Singh makes it to Indian T20 cricket team
During Punjab Kings’ last Indian Premier League (IPL) game Arshdeep Singh, 23-year-old from Kharar, learnt of his inclusion in the Indian team for T20s against South Africa in June. Super elated Arshdeep quickly dialled his father Darshan Singh, who too is a fast bowler and was playing a local club match in Chandigarh, to share the big news. An emotional Darshan finished his quota of overs and brought sweets for everyone present on the ground.
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“I was anticipating his selection in the Indian team. He has worked hard for this and should eye a debut against South Africa. He has been bowling pretty well in the last two years. I could not play at the highest level but I am grateful to God that my son will do it. I have been training him since he was a kid,” said Darshan, who played at the district level and is a security officer at a firm.
Arshdeep has been phenomenal in the last editions of IPL, playing for Punjab Kings. This earned him retention by the franchise for ₹4 crore for the present season. The left-arm pacer grabbed 10 wickets in 13 matches and bowled at a decent economy rate of 7.82. Also, his ability to nail yorkers at will — especially in death overs — brought him in the spotlight.
Standing tall at 6 feet and 2 inches, Arshdeep has not only been doing well with the white-ball in the shortest format but also while playing for Punjab in the Ranji Trophy. With 12 wickets in three matches, Arshdeep was pivotal in helping Punjab qualify for the quarter-finals.
“His rise has been at a great pace. He is definitely not a one-season wonder, but someone who will go places in the coming years. He has used his height well and worked hard on his skills. The fact that he did well for Punjab in the Ranji Trophy speaks about his graduation from U-19 to senior level. He can be a lethal bowler for India. He is a thinking bowler who bowls cleverly in the crucial overs, be it death overs or in the power play,” said VRV Singh, a former India fast bowler and now a coach.
Former deputy Chief Minister of Punjab and SAD president, Sukhbir Singh Badal took it to twitter to congratulate the cricketer. In tweet he said. “Congratulations to our Kharar boy Arshdeep Singh for securing his place in the Indian cricket team going for T20 series against South Africa. Best wishes to this young lad for more great achievements!”.
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-PTC News
