'Arshdeep Singh is a better T20 bowler than Bhuvneshwar Kumar'- Sanjay Manjrekar

Former Indian commentator, Sanjay Manjrekar has often received a lot of backlash for his opinions surrounding the game of cricket. And, his statement with regards to the comparison between Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Arshdeep Singh might again land him in trouble.

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Manjrekar recently stated that the Arshdeep Singh is a better T20 bowler than Bhuvneshwar Kumar. His comments came after the former produced a brilliant over at the death in Punjab’s last game against Mumbai.

Needing 33 runs in 18 balls with Suryakumar Yadav at the crease, Arshdeep Singh conceded only 5 runs in the 18^th over to turn the game in favour of his team. He finished with returns with 1 for 29 in 4 overs. Punjab won that game by 12 runs.

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time when Arshdeep Singh bowled well in a game. He has been delivering impactful performances for the team consistently since the last edition’s tournament.

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Following the conclusion of the game between Punjab and Mumbai, Sanjay Manjrekar praised Arshdeep Singh and Kagiso Rabada for making the difference in the match.

“Nobody is going to talk about Arshdeep Singh. Everyone’s talking about Odean Smith’s four wickets. But the guys who really made the difference were Rabada, picked up two huge wickets (Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav) and Arshdeep Singh. The first over went for 12, the second at the start went for nine by Rabada. Arshdeep gets the ball and concedes four and the 18th over just conceded five runs."

"So this is a guy who has been doing this for years now and those are the contribution when the match is slipping away, a five-run over with a set batter around him. Surya during that over took a single because he couldn’t get him away. That’s the ultimate hats off to the bowler,” said Manjrekar during an interaction on ESPNCricinfo.

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The former Indian cricketer further drew comparisons between Arshdeep Singh and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Manjrekar stated that Arshdeep Singh is a much better T20 bowler than Bhuvneshwar Kumar and is amongst the top 5 Indian bowlers at present.

“India keeps going back to Bhuvneshwar Kumar. He has been a wonderful bowler. He has been. But today, if you compare, Bhuvneshwar and Arshdeep, he is a much better bowler to have in the T20 side. He is certainly in the top 5 (among Indian bowlers). He must be wondering what more do I have to do (to get into the Indian side). Because today was another night where you’re looking at guys like Suryakumar Yadav saying I can’t hit this guy, might as well take a single. That’s what you do against the Bumrah, and the Lasith Malinga,” he added.