Arshdeep Singh’s wicket-taking prowess is better than Jasprit Bumrah: Aakash Chopra

After Punjab Kings (PBKS) acquired the left-arm seamer for INR 18 crore during the IPL 2025 mega auction, former India player Aakash Chopra praised Singh’s ability to take wickets in the game’s shortest format.

During the two-day competition in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Arshdeep was the first player to secure a team. Up to seven teams expressed interest in hiring Arshdeep: the Delhi Capitals (DC), Gujarat Titans (GT), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Rajasthan Royals (RCB), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). After SRH submitted a proposal of INR 15.75 crore, Punjab chose to use one of their four RTM cards.

Punjab Kings were pleased to have the 25-year-old join their club at that cost, but the 2016 IPL champions chose to spend INR 18 crore. Chopra put Arshdeep’s ability to take wickets in Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) above the great Jasprit Bumrah and commended the young player for his versatility.

“They initially stated that they sought Rs 18 crore for Arshdeep. If they hadn’t kept him, they would have spent that much. He is a very good Punjabi who will stay with the Punjabis. Indian fast bowler, old ball, new ball. After Bumrah, Arshdeep is the only person who can accomplish that reliably. In fact, when it comes to taking wickets (in T20Is), he has surpassed even Bumrah. He is still a bit pricey, but he has outperformed him due to his ability to take wickets,” Chopra stated on his YouTube channel.

After Chahal Speedster, Arshdeep Singh leads India in wicket-taking in T20Is. In Twenty20 International cricket,

Arshdeep Singh is India’s second-highest wicket-taker. In 60 games, he has taken 95 wickets at an average of 18.11. The top wicket-taker for the Men in Blue in Twenty20 International cricket is Yuzvendra Chahal. At 22.45, he has taken 96 wickets in 80 games. Curiously, Chahal signed the same INR 18 crore contract as Arshdeep to join the Punjab Kings team.