Former Pakistan cricketer Wasim Akram has rated the performances of left-arm spinners Trent Boult, Arshdeep Singh, Mitchell Starc and Mustafizur Rahman after the 2024 T20 World Cup. The fast bowling legend gave interesting ratings and explained the reason behind it.
For Arshdeep Singh, Wasim Akram scored 8 and called the Indian bowler impressive and talented. The former fast bowler also suggests the youngster to concentrate on red-ball cricket as he feels the bowler can bowl the ball both ways and has the potential to be a regular player for the team.
Wasim Akram believes that if the fast bowler can make his mark in Test cricket, he will leave a legacy behind. He stated that Arshdeep Singh should have the same mindset as he has the potential to make it big. Speaking to Sportskeeda, he explained:
“I think he’s very impressive, very talented. He should also focus on four-day cricket. He has the swing, the pace. He swings both ways. His new ball comes in perfectly. I think he has the potential to be a regular bowler to play for India. And I hope he has Test cricket in his mind. Because he will make money in T20. He will be famous in T20 for a year.
“But if you want to leave a legacy, then you will have to think about cricket in the long term. When people retire today, even after 10 or 20 years, they still say that there was a bowler in the history of cricket who didn’t have a bowler like him. So this should be the mindset of every young bowler. He certainly has the potential. I will give him an 8.”
Arshdeep Singh put in a magical performance for India in the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2024. The fast bowler finished the tournament as the highest wicket-taker with 17 wickets to his name. His sensational performance enabled India to win the ICC tournament after 11 years.
Wasim Akram then rated Mitchell Starc and said, “I’ll give him 9.75.”
Wasim Akram rates Mustafizur Rahman and Trent Boult
While talking about Mustafizur Rahman, Wasim Akram spoke about how the fast bowler manages to bowl cutters with perfection. He was not surprised that the fast bowler does not play Test cricket and rated him 7 out of 10. He elaborated:
“His action doesn’t change. He holds the ball like this and does it like this. Instead of opening his fingers. That’s why he’s consistent. And again, he has an injury problem as well. He doesn’t like Test cricket. So yeah. But again, we’re talking about the T20 format. So he’s pretty good at that, especially with his cutters. He’s learned a new ball to swing at now. He’s a little bit better at it. Before, he would just cross the ball. Now he’s become a little bit more predictable. That’s what he’s learned over the last few days. I give him a 7.”
It’s not Mitchell Starc! Wasim Akram talks about Arshdeep Singh while choosing the best left-handed bowler in the world
According to Wasim Akram, Trent Boult is one of the best left-arm bowlers. He pointed out that the fast bowler is not always satisfied with his performances and touted him as a true wicket-taker. The Pakistan legend rated the Kiwi bowler with a 10, saying:
“I think highly of him. He has played a lot of Test cricket. He has played a lot of cricket. He is a sensible bowler. He still wants to learn. And that shows that he is not satisfied with himself as a bowler. His performance is consistent. He is retired. He has played in leagues all over the world. But he gives you wickets. For me, in the last 10 years, if there is anyone who is the best left-arm bowler after Starc, I will name him (Trent Boult). I give him a 10. He has the ability.”
