“You’ve got to come back and come back again..” Former England cricketer issues big warning to Arshdeep Singh ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Arshdeep Singh will be expected to deliver for India in the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025 in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah.

“You’ve got to come back and come back again..” Former England cricketer issues big warning to Arshdeep Singh ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Arshdeep Singh (via X)

The ICC Champions Trophy is set to start on February 19, with India’s first match to be played against Bangladesh on February 20. India capped off their preparation with a 3-0 win against England in the ODI series at home. India’s star pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the tournament with injury, and hence, there is a lot of responsibility on the shoulders of Mohammed Shami, Harshit Rana, and Arshdeep Singh.

Singh has been in terrific form in T20I cricket for the team and is also India’s highest wicket-taker in T20Is. However, he has not had much experience playing in the ODIs. The left-arm pacer will be expected to deliver for the Men in Blue in Dubai, and former England cricketer David Lloyd has a warning for Singh.

YouTube video

The former Englishman has stated that India will definitely miss Bumrah and has asked the opposition batters to put pressure on Singh and go after him. He has also warned Singh, stating that he would not bowl short spells like in T20s and has to bowl longer spells in this format.

You are going to miss him (Bumrah). You can’t get away from the fact that the best bowler in the world isn’t playing, then you’ve got a problem. If you are the opposition, test him out, really get into Arshdeep. This is not T20, this not a little party, you’ve got to come back and come back again, and that is something he won’t be used to. If you are the opposition, you try and play on that, let’s see what he’s got.

David Lloyd said on talkSPORT

Arshdeep Singh was the highest wicket-taker in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024/25

Singh has featured in 33 List A matches and has scalped 55 wickets at an average of 24.30 and an economy rate of 5.07. He performed sensationally well in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2024/25 and returned as the leading wicket-taker of the tournament. The left-arm pacer picked up 20 wickets at an average of 18.25.

Arshdeep Singh
Arshdeep Singh (via X)

Left-arm pacers do bring a unique skill set due to the angle that they create. India will need Singh to deliver with both the new ball and at the death in the absence of Bumrah. The pacer has the ability to swing the new ball and is also good with his slower balls and yorkers at the death.

He has been consistent in the T20I format, and it is now time for him to take the next step by putting up strong performances in the upcoming Champions Trophy and helping India win the tournament. It remains to be seen how the left-arm pacer bowls in Dubai, as India will play all their matches in the tournament in that city.