Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav and R Ashwin (Source: AFP)
Ace pacer Arshdeep Singh has shared his list of the five most talented Indian bowlers during a conversation on Krishnank Atrey's YouTube channel. One of the most significant picks that gained the limelight was when he placed Kuldeep Yadav ahead of Ravichandran Ashwin.
While naming his favourite bowlers, Arshdeep also admitted that he has a natural preference for fast bowlers. The left-arm pacer even jokingly apologised to R Ashwin for placing him fifth.
Arshdeep Singh Picks Bhuvneshwar Kumar As India's Best Bowler
Arshdeep Singh placed Bhuvneshwar Kumar at the top of the list. He explained that Bhuvneshwar has always been his personal favourite, which made the decision easy for him.
The Punjab Kings pacer then named Mohammed Shami in second place. According to Arshdeep, Shami's ability to move the ball off the pitch on almost every kind of surface makes him one of the most potent fast bowlers.
Arshdeep openly admitted that he was slightly biased towards fast bowlers, which is why the first two spots in his rankings went to the experienced pacers.
Also Read: Arshdeep Singh Picks India’s All Time XI; Rohit Sharma Given Unusual Designation
“Bhuvi bhai is at the top because he is my personal favourite as well. I really like him, so I’m a little biased. I’ll rate all the fast bowlers first. At number two, I’d go with Shami bhai because, as you know, he can seam the ball on any wicket. His bowling is excellent, and he presents the seam perfectly,” Arshdeep said on Krishnank Atrey’s YouTube channel.
Arshdeep Singh Picks Kuldeep Yadav Above R Ashwin
After naming the two fast bowlers, Arshdeep selected Kuldeep Yadav as the highest-ranked spinner on his list. He said Kuldeep's left-arm wrist-spin is a rare skill that makes him unique among Indian bowlers.
Arshdeep placed his Punjab Kings teammate Yuzvendra Chahal in fourth position.
R Ashwin completed the list in fifth place. However, Arshdeep was quick to clarify that the ranking should not be seen as disrespect towards the legendary off-spinner.
“Third would be Kuldeep Yadav because he has a very rare skill set, a left-arm Chinaman. Then there’s Yuzi bhai, as we are teammates in the Punjab team, and his record is also excellent. He has taken so many wickets. I wouldn’t want to rate Ash bhai last, but there were no positions left, so he comes in at number five. He is great, but Ash bhai was also my first captain in the IPL, Punjab. Sorry, Ash bhai, I’ll personally message you,” he added.
Watch the video here:
Is Kuldeep Yadav Actually Better Than R Ashwin?
Comparing Kuldeep Yadav and R Ashwin is not simple because both bowlers have achieved success in different formats and roles. Ashwin is regarded as one of India's greatest Test cricketers, with 537 wickets in 106 matches at an economy rate of 2.83.
R Ashwin's variations included conventional off-spin, top-spin, carrom ball, slider and undercutter. He has also contributed valuable runs in the lower order, making him an important all-round performer for India during his playing days.
On the other hand, Kuldeep Yadav has built his reputation as a specialist wicket-taker in limited-overs cricket. His left-arm wrist-spin is uncommon, and his variations often force batters into mistakes.
So, if we take a look at the stats as well as bowling attributes, the fact that cannot be denied is that R Ashwin is a much better bowler than Kuldeep.
Also Read: Exclusive: Why BCB’s Tamim Iqbal Is Visiting India? Reason Revealed
.jpg?type=mq "Hardik Pandya To CSK As Captain?")
