Arshdeep Singh trade makes Mumbai Indians stronger, says Irfan Pathan
The former India all-rounder noted that the left-arm pacer provides more flexibility regarding overseas player slots and bowling strategy.
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes Mumbai Indians have improved their bowling unit after acquiring Arshdeep Singh from Punjab Kings in an IPL trade, according to The Times of India.
The high-profile exchange saw Hardik Pandya move to Punjab Kings for Rs 18 crore, up from his previous fee of Rs 16.35 crore, while Arshdeep joined Mumbai Indians at his existing fee of Rs 18 crore.
Pathan stated on X that the trade makes Mumbai Indians a much stronger side, noting that it allows the team to use Jasprit Bumrah more effectively and positively impacts their overseas slots.
With Arshdeep, Mumbai Indians now possess frontline options including Bumrah, Deepak Chahar, and Trent Boult. The addition of Arshdeep provides more choices for the opening overs and the final stages of an innings.
The move could allow the franchise to field an all-Indian pace attack with Bumrah, Arshdeep, Chahar, and Ashwani Kumar. This would enable the team to include an extra overseas player, such as Mitchell Santner, Will Jacks, Sherfane Rutherford, or Corbin Bosch.
Ashwani Kumar has previously taken 17 wickets in 10 appearances for the franchise, including two four-wicket hauls.