'Why does this happen?': R Ashwin questions Arshdeep Singh exclusion under Gautam Gambhir-led team management

India's Arshdeep Singh (PTI Photo/Ravi Choudhary)

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has strongly questioned the team management after Arshdeep Singh was left out of the playing XI for the first two ODIs against New Zealand in Vadodara and Rajkot. While the left-arm pacer is part of the squad for the three-match series, Arshdeep is yet to feature, a decision that has clearly not gone down well with Ashwin. Ashwin, 39, has been a long-time supporter of Arshdeep and has repeatedly spoken against his frequent exclusion from the side. According to Ashwin, the Indian think-tank needs to understand the impact such decisions can have on a player’s confidence and morale.

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Arshdeep, 26, remains India’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is and has taken 22 wickets in the 14 ODIs played so far. Despite that, the management opted for Mohammed Siraj , Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna as the three frontline pacers in the opening two matches against the Kiwis. There is a belief that Arshdeep was rested with an eye on the upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. However, under head coach Gautam Gambhir , Arshdeep has not been a regular feature in the T20I XI either, having played only five of the 13 T20Is since mid-2024. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin explained the possible tactical thinking but made it clear that Arshdeep’s situation was being overlooked. “The contest is between the bowlers. For South Africa, you need a hit-the-deck bowler. Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana both need a match experience, so I can understand the thinking. But no one is thinking about Arshdeep Singh, who will stand in his shoes and think? This is not about how much he has played and how much he hasn't played,” Ashwin said. Ashwin then highlighted the mental toll such decisions can take on fast bowlers. “What must he be thinking right now? He has done so much, yet he is still fighting for his spot. Whenever he plays next, he will be rusty. No matter what you say, this is a game of confidence. Why does this happen to the bowlers at all times? It never happens with the batters,” Ashwin added. The former spinner went further, stating that Arshdeep has earned the right to be an automatic selection based on past performances. Ashwin also drew parallels with personal experiences from an international career that saw similar situations. “I have been in this position, so I know how it is. This is why I am fighting for Arshdeep Singh. Whenever you have given him the ball, he has performed for you. Allow him to walk into the playing XI with his head held high. He deserves this boss,” Ashwin said. Ashwin also questioned the logic behind playing Arshdeep only in the final match of the series. “Now people are saying he will play the third ODI. What is the point? He didn't play the first two ODIs, and why did that happen? What will that do to his confidence?” Ashwin remarked. The three-match ODI series between India and New Zealand is currently level, with the decider scheduled to be played on Sunday, January 18, at the Holkar Stadium in Indore.

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