Overview:
He will be India's leading bowler in the global tournament. It is worth highlighting that Arshdeep hasn't been a regular in the T20I playing XI after Gambhir became the head of the support staff.
R Ashwin is miffed with the Indian team management for keeping fast bowler Arshdeep Singh out of the Playing XI in the first two ODIs against New Zealand. The left-arm pacer is a part of the squad, but he is warming the bench. Ashwin, who has spoken about Arshdeep’s omission in the past as well, said that the decision-makers need to dwell on what they are doing with the morale of the bowler.
In 14 ODIs, Arshdeep has taken 22 wickets. In the first two games against the Kiwis, head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill preferred Prasidh Krishna over Arshdeep.
It is speculated that Arshdeep was not given a chance in the ODIs due to the upcoming T20 series against the Kiwis and the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. He will be India’s leading bowler in the global tournament. It is worth highlighting that Arshdeep hasn’t been a regular in the T20I playing XI after Gambhir became the head of the support staff.
“The contest is between the bowlers. For South Africa, India needs hit-the-deck bowlers. Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana need experience, but no one is thinking about Arshdeep Singh. This is not about his game time,” Ashwin said.
“He has done so much, and what must he be thinking. He is still fighting for his place. Arshdeep will be rusty when he plays next. This is a game of confidence. Why are bowlers treated like this? It never happens with the batters,” he added.
Ashwin mentioned that Arshdeep Singh deserves to play in every match. “I have been in this position. This is why I am fighting for Arshdeep. He has performed whenever he was a part of the team. Allow him to walk into the playing XI as he deserves this, boss.
“People are saying that he will play in the third ODI. What is the point? He didn’t play in the first two ODIs.”
The three-match series between India and New Zealand is levelled 1-1, and the decider will be competed on Sunday, January 18, at the Holkar Stadium in Indore.