Source: NDTV Sports

In the high-stakes world of international cricket, where every performance is dissected and every statistic scrutinised, a player’s personal preferences often offer a fascinating glimpse into their cricketing philosophy. It’s rare for a contemporary star to openly rank their peers, especially when such lists inevitably challenge widely held perceptions. This very scenario has unfolded with breaking news from India’s promising left-arm fast bowler, Arshdeep Singh, who recently unveiled his top five Indian bowlers – a roster that has certainly sparked considerable debate and discussion across the cricketing fraternity.

Arshdeep’s choices, revealed on Krishnank Atrey’s YouTube channel, are a compelling mix of seasoned veterans and spin wizards. However, it’s not just the inclusions, but a significant omission and a somewhat surprising top pick that command attention. In a move that has raised eyebrows, one of modern cricket’s indisputable giants, Jasprit Bumrah, finds himself absent from Arshdeep’s esteemed list. Meanwhile, the elegant swing merchant, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, stands proudly at the apex, chosen above all others by the young speedster.

A Modern Pacer’s Personal Hierarchy

Arshdeep Singh, known for his ability to bowl crucial overs in white-ball cricket, presented a list that clearly prioritises specific attributes and, admittedly, personal connections. His selections offer a fascinating insight into the qualities he values in his compatriots, moving beyond mere statistical dominance to a more nuanced appreciation of craft, skill, and camaraderie.

The Bhuvi Bhai Bias: Respect for Craft and Control

Topping Arshdeep’s list is veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, a choice Arshdeep himself readily admits is driven by ‘personal bias’. ‘Bhuvi bhai is at the top because he is my personal favourite as well. I really like him, so I’m a little biased. I’ll rate all the fast bowlers first,’ Arshdeep stated, underscoring the subjective nature of his ranking. Beyond personal affinity, Arshdeep praised Kumar’s exceptional ability to control the new ball.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s career has been a testament to classical swing bowling. In his prime, he was virtually unplayable with the new ball, making it talk in both directions and consistently delivering probing lines and lengths. While injuries have periodically hampered his career, his skill set, especially in limited-overs cricket, remains invaluable. His control, subtle variations, and mastery of the swing have made him a potent force, particularly in powerplays. Arshdeep’s admiration for this particular attribute speaks volumes about the young pacer’s own focus on mastering the art of new-ball bowling, identifying with Bhuvi’s classical approach rather than relying solely on pace or unconventional angles.

Seam Movement and Rare Skill: Shami and Kuldeep

Following Bhuvneshwar, Arshdeep placed Mohammed Shami at number two. His reasoning highlights Shami’s consistent mastery over the seam: ‘At number two, I’d go with Shami bhai because, as you know, he can seam the ball on any wicket. His bowling is excellent, and he presents the seam perfectly.’

Shami is widely regarded as one of the best exponents of seam bowling in the world. His ability to hit the deck hard and generate disconcerting movement off the pitch, even on unhelpful surfaces, has been a cornerstone of India’s success across formats, particularly in Test cricket. His capacity to consistently trouble batsmen with subtle late movement, often delivered from a perfect seam position, exemplifies a pure form of fast bowling that Arshdeep clearly holds in high esteem.

Third on the list is left-arm chinaman Kuldeep Yadav, chosen for his unique talent. Arshdeep noted, ‘Third would be Kuldeep Yadav because he has a very rare skill set, a left-arm chinaman.’ Kuldeep, along with Yuzvendra Chahal, formed a formidable spin duo for India in white-ball cricket, famously known as ‘Kul-Cha’. The rarity of a left-arm chinaman bowler, with their ability to turn the ball both ways and baffle batsmen with flight and deception, makes Kuldeep a special commodity in modern cricket. His inclusion points to Arshdeep’s appreciation for bowlers who possess extraordinary and hard-to-replicate skills.

The Spin Maestros’ Nod: Chahal and Ashwin

Arshdeep’s list continues with another prominent spinner, Yuzvendra Chahal, at number four. The young fast bowler pointed to their shared association and Chahal’s impressive record: ‘Then there’s Yuzi bhai, as we are teammates in the Punjab team, and his record is also excellent. He has taken so many wickets.’

Chahal has been India’s premier limited-overs leg-spinner for a significant period, consistently picking up wickets in the middle overs and possessing the courage to toss the ball up despite the threat of being hit. His excellent record and prolific wicket-taking ability are well-documented. The mention of their camaraderie as ‘teammates in the Punjab team’ offers further insight into the personal dimension of Arshdeep’s selections, suggesting that shared dressing room experiences and mutual respect play a role.

Finally, R Ashwin rounds off the list at number five. Arshdeep expressed a humorous regret about his placement: ‘I wouldn’t want to rate Ash bhai last, but there were no positions left, so he comes in at number five. He is great, but Ash bhai was also my first captain in the IPL, Punjab. Sorry, Ash bhai, I’ll personally message you.’

Ravichandran Ashwin is undoubtedly one of the greatest spinners of his generation, boasting an incredible Test record and constantly evolving his craft. His tactical brilliance, myriad variations, and enduring effectiveness across formats make him a cricketing intellect. The fact that he was Arshdeep’s ‘first captain in the IPL, Punjab’ clearly adds another layer of personal connection and respect, highlighting the influence of leadership and mentorship on a young player’s perspective. Arshdeep’s playful apology underscores the friendly rivalry and deep respect among teammates.

The Elephant in the Room: The Bumrah Omission

While the inclusion of such celebrated names is noteworthy, it is the stark absence of Jasprit Bumrah that truly resonates through Arshdeep’s selections. Bumrah is ‘widely considered as one of the modern greats’, a bowler whose unique action, searing pace, deadly Yorkers, and unparalleled death bowling skills have revolutionised fast bowling across all three formats. His ability to perform under immense pressure and consistently deliver game-changing spells has cemented his status as a global icon.

The exclusion of Bumrah from a list of top Indian bowlers, particularly one compiled by a fellow pacer, is astonishing to many. It forces a contemplation of Arshdeep’s criteria. While Bumrah is universally acknowledged for his impact and unique genius, perhaps Arshdeep’s ‘personal favourite’ lens focuses on different aspects. Could it be an admiration for the more classical swing and seam bowling (like Bhuvi and Shami) that Arshdeep himself aims to master? Or perhaps a greater appreciation for skills that are less reliant on an unconventional action, which Bumrah masterfully employs?

It’s plausible that Arshdeep’s list reflects a certain bias towards bowlers he has directly observed, learned from, or shared significant dressing room time with, particularly those from a similar background or domestic team (like the Punjab connections). While Arshdeep has played alongside Bumrah for India, the explicit mention of personal relationships for other selections might indicate a deeper, more personal connection influencing his choices. This omission certainly sparks a valuable conversation about the distinction between a statistically ‘best’ player and a ‘personal favourite’ in the eyes of a peer.

Beyond Statistics: The Nuance of Personal Favourites

Arshdeep Singh’s list serves as a powerful reminder that player rankings, especially when expressed personally, are not always aligned with objective statistics or popular consensus. Cricket, like any sport, is deeply intertwined with human emotion, personal experiences, and individual biases. For a bowler like Arshdeep, his choices likely reflect the qualities he most admires, perhaps even aspires to, or those individuals who have directly influenced his journey.

The emphasis on ‘personal favourite,’ ‘bias,’ ‘control of the new ball,’ ‘seaming the ball,’ ‘rare skill set,’ ‘teammates,’ and ‘first captain’ reveals a mosaic of factors at play. It’s a testament to the diverse range of talent within Indian cricket that a young pacer can assemble such a formidable list, even while omitting a player of Bumrah’s stature. This subjectivity enriches the sport, offering different perspectives and highlighting the various facets of cricketing brilliance.

Ultimately, Arshdeep’s choices are his own, reflecting his unique perspective as a fast bowler navigating the pressures of international cricket. They invite fans and analysts alike to look beyond the numbers and consider the intangible qualities, personal connections, and sheer admiration that often shape a player’s view of their peers.

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Disclaimer: This article draws on reporting originally published by NDTV Sports, expanded with additional analysis and context by the Cricket Mantra editorial team.