New Delhi: Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh was left on the bench for the first two matches of India’s ODI series against New Zealand, drawing sharp criticism from former off-spinner R. Ashwin.
Arshdeep, one of India’s premier fast bowlers, has impressed consistently in international cricket, featuring in 22 ODIs across 14 matches. He delivered standout performances during the recent South Africa series. Yet, for the first two ODIs against New Zealand, India fielded three pacers without including Arshdeep Singh.
Ashwin Criticizes Team Management
Ravichandran Ashwin expressed disappointment over the decision, saying, “Whenever he’s been given the ball, he has performed exceptionally. Give him the spot he deserves. Let him walk onto the field with his head held high. He deserves it. Now, what’s the point of playing him only in the third ODI? Why wasn’t he included in the first two? Think about the impact on his confidence.”
Ashwin, reflecting on his own experience in similar situations, added, “Next time he plays, his practice will be incomplete. Cricket is a confidence game, and bowlers often face this unfair treatment. It doesn’t happen with batsmen. I’ve been there, so I know it’s wrong. That’s why I always fight for Arshdeep.”
Also Left Out of T20s
Arshdeep Singh has not only faced exclusion in ODIs but has also been left out of India’s T20 International line-ups on several occasions. He is the first Indian to take 100 wickets in T20Is and holds the record for the most wickets in the format.
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