Is Arshdeep Singh better than Jasprit Bumrah in the IPL? Check details

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra praised Arshdeep Singh's exceptional wicket-taking skills in T20 cricket after the left-arm pacer was secured by Punjab Kings (PBKS) for a whopping INR 18 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction. Chopra highlighted Arshdeep’s knack for delivering breakthroughs under pressure, calling him a game-changer in the shortest format. The IPL auction, held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, saw Arshdeep becoming the first player to find a team. His impressive performances attracted fierce bidding, with seven franchises - Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Delhi Capitals (DC), Gujarat Titans (GT), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Rajasthan Royals (RR), and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) - vying for the seamer. The bidding war escalated quickly, with SRH leading at INR 15.75 crore.

However, Punjab Kings exercised one of their four Right To Match (RTM) cards to retain the 25-year-old star for INR 18 crore. This acquisition further solidifies PBKS's commitment to building a strong bowling lineup. Arshdeep, known for his pinpoint accuracy and ability to excel in death overs, has been a cornerstone of Punjab’s strategy in previous IPL seasons. With his return, Punjab hopes to maximize his prowess in the upcoming IPL 2025 campaign.

The 2016 IPL champions, Sunrisers Hyderabad, pushed their bid to INR 18 crore for Arshdeep Singh during the IPL 2025 mega auction. However, Punjab Kings were determined to retain the talented left-arm pacer and matched the bid using their Right To Match card. Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra, sharing his thoughts on Arshdeep’s continuation with Punjab, lauded the 25-year-old for his versatility and match-winning ability. Chopra highlighted Arshdeep's exceptional wicket-taking skills, particularly in T20Is, even rating his prowess higher than that of India’s pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah.

"They said at the start that they wanted Arshdeep for Rs 18 crore. They would have spent that much only had they retained him. He is a Punjabi and will remain with the Punjabis, and he is very good. New ball, old ball, Indian fast bowler. If someone is able to do that consistently after Bumrah, it's Arshdeep. In fact, he has run ahead of even Bumrah in terms of wicket-taking prowess (in T20Is). He remains a little expensive but has run ahead of him because he is a wicket-taker," former Indian opener Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

Arshdeep Singh, India’s left-arm pacer, holds the impressive distinction of being the second-highest wicket-taker for the country in T20Is. In just 60 matches, the speedster has claimed 95 wickets at a phenomenal average of 18.11, showcasing his consistency and effectiveness in the shortest format of the game. Leading the chart for India in T20I wickets is leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal. With 96 wickets from 80 matches at an average of 22.45, Chahal remains a pivotal figure in India’s bowling lineup. His knack for breaking partnerships and maintaining pressure makes him a valuable asset for any team.

In an interesting turn of events at the IPL 2025 mega auction, Chahal joined the Punjab Kings squad alongside Arshdeep Singh, creating a dynamic bowling duo for the franchise. Both players were secured for a staggering INR 18 crore each, emphasizing their importance and demand in the tournament. With the combination of Chahal’s cunning spin and Arshdeep’s fiery pace, Punjab Kings boast a formidable bowling lineup. Fans and analysts alike eagerly anticipate how this pair will complement each other and contribute to the team’s campaign in the upcoming IPL 2025 season.