Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has directly attacked Gautam Gambhir. Ashwin says that Arshdeep Singh’s exclusion from the T20 team is unfair.
Ashwin said that Jasprit Bumrah should be rested due to workload, and Arshdeep Singh should be given a chance. He made these remarks on his YouTube channel.
Ashwin criticized the Gambhir-led team management. He said that Arshdeep is one of the best bowlers in the world, yet he is repeatedly being overlooked.
Ashwin said, “If you want to experiment, then rest Bumrah. Bumrah has a workload management problem. You can rest Bumrah. Look, Arshdeep Singh is your leading wicket-taker. When we play in the T20 World Cup, he will get some dues.
I hope there are no dues because dues are a major dampening factor. But this Arshdeep debate is very sad because Arshdeep Singh should get his place.”
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Ashwin’s Anger: Make Arshdeep the First Choice
Ashwin further stated that this 26-year-old left-arm pacer from Punjab should be the second choice after Bumrah.
If Bumrah doesn’t play, Arshdeep should be the first-choice bowler.
Ashwin said, “My point is, Arshdeep Singh should be the second name in the list of fast bowlers after Bumrah. And if Bumrah doesn’t play, Arshdeep becomes the first-choice bowler in your team’s list.
I don’t understand how Arshdeep Singh is repeatedly missing from the XI. I really don’t understand.”
Ashwin mentioned Harshit Rana, but clearly stated that the problem lies with Arshdeep. He pointed out that Arshdeep performed brilliantly in the 2024 T20 World Cup, yet he is being benched. Ashwin warned that Arshdeep’s rhythm is being disrupted by his lack of consistent play.
He said, “He’s actually lost a bit of rhythm. The last time we saw him in the Asia Cup, he bowled a good spell, but he looked rusty. And your champion bowler will start looking rusty if he’s not given game time.
So, it’s a very tough situation for Arshdeep. I genuinely hope he starts getting those chances, man. He deserves them. And this isn’t about anyone else, this is his spot. Please, play him.”
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Ashwin’s comments come amid the Australia series, where pacers should get a chance. Arshdeep made it to the Indian squad in all three formats but was left out of the playing XI.
The spin-friendly pitches were the excuse in the Asia Cup, but he was benched even in the fast conditions in Australia.
Ashwin believes Arshdeep should be honored as the first Indian bowler to take 100 T20I wickets.
