"Could Be Walking Into The Indian Team": Ravi Shastri Makes Big Prediction For Young Pacer

Ravi Shastri knows a thing or two for identifying young talent, especially if it's a pacer. For, it was during his tenure as Indian cricket team head coach that Jasprit Bumrah was fast-tracked into the Test team. Under him and Virat Kohli, then the national team captain, India formed a marvellous pace combination that was among the best in the world. Though Shastri has currently moved on from his role as India coach, he is still on the lookout for fresh talents. And, he has identified one very special player who can make it to the national team very soon.

Arshdeep Singh, who made his IPL debut in 2019, is into his fourth season with Punjab Kings. He was among the two players retained by the franchise ahead of the mega auction. And Shastri feels if the left-arm pacer continues his progress, he will soon be seen in India colours.

The 23-year-old has improved his game with the new ball and is among the best death bowlers this IPL season. "For someone so young and then to deliver time and time again when the chips are down and the pressure is on him (it's brilliant to see). Arshdeep is holding on to his nerves brilliantly, he's doing well in death overs. This shows he's moving up the ranks very quickly and he could be walking into the Indian team," Shastri told 'Star Sports'.

Other impressive performances in the IPL have come from pacer Umran Malik, who plays for Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Mumbai Indians batter Tilak Varma.

The great Brian Lara compared Malik to West Indies pacer Fidel Edwards.

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"Umran Malik reminds me a lot about Fidel Edwards when he first started, a lot of pace and I hope that he understands it as he goes into international cricket, which I think he'll eventually play.

"In the IPL, a lot of batsmen