‘Makes Mumbai Indians much stronger’: Irfan Pathan explains how Arshdeep Singh deal could change MI’s bowling

Jasprit Bumrah, right, and Arshdeep Singh during training. (PTI photo) NEW DELHI: Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes Mumbai Indians have emerged with a stronger bowling combination after acquiring Arshdeep Singh from the Punjab Kings in a blockbuster IPL trade, pointing out how the left-arm pacer could allow Jasprit Bumrah to be used more effectively while giving the five-time champions more flexibility with their slots.After days of speculation, MI and PBKS completed a high-profile swap, with Hardik Pandya moving to Punjab and Arshdeep heading to Mumbai. Hardik will join PBKS for Rs 18 crore, an increase from his existing fee of Rs 16.35 crore, while Arshdeep will move to MI for an existing fee of Rs 18 crore.Reacting to the deal, Pathan highlighted the potential impact of Arshdeep’s arrival on Mumbai’s team mix.“The Arshdeep Singh trade makes Mumbai Indians a much stronger side. It allows them to use Jasprit Bumrah even more effectively and also has a positive impact on their overseas slots,” wrote Irfan Pathan on X.

Arshdeep gives MI more play and death options

Pathan’s rating is based on the bowling resources that Arshdeep brings to an already formidable pace attack. MI now have Bumrah, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult and Arshdeep as front line options who can work with the new ball.Arshdeep’s ability to strike early and deliver at the death could also take the pressure off Bumrah and allow MI to deploy their top-class fast bowler more strategically across the innings.The franchise also has another left-arm pace option in Ashwani Kumar, who has impressed in his 10 appearances for MI, taking 17 wickets, including two four-wicket hauls.Arshdeep’s arrival also gives Mumbai a chance to counter the Indian pace attack comprising Bumrah, Arshdeep, Chahar and Ashwani. Such a combination could allow the franchise to skip Boult and accommodate another overseas player.MI have several overseas all-rounders who can contribute in various departments, including Mitchell Santner, Will Jacks, Sherfan Rutherford and Corbin Bosch. India’s all-round options like Naman Dhir, Shardul Thakur and youngster Raj Angad Bawa could strengthen the balance further.