R Ashwin questions Shubman Gill and Gautam Gambhir over star player’s omission from India’s Playing XI vs New Zealand

Legendary all-rounder slammed Ravichandran Ashwin, questioned Indian management following the exclusion of the speedster Arshdeep Singh from the playing XI for the first two ODIs against New Zealand in Vadodara and Rajkot. The left-arm pacer is part of India's squad for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, but he was benched in the first two matches of the series. Ashwin who ended his career as India's second-highest wicket-taker, believes that the think-tank needs to understand what they are doing to the morale of the speedster.

Arshdeep's T20I and ODI wickets

Arshdeep, who is India's highest wicket taker in T20Is, has picked up 22 wickets in his 14 ODI outings. In the opening two matches against the Kiwis, the team management opted to go with three frontline pacers - Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna.

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Why Arshdeep Singh wasn't picked in the playing XI

It is understood that Arshdeep Singh was left out of the first two ODIs with an eye on the upcoming T20 World Cup. The team management is believed to be managing his workload and keeping in mind the role he could play in the tournament, which will take place in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.

However, it is also worth pointing out that Arshdeep has not been a regular pick in the T20I side under head coach Gautam Gambhir. Since mid-2024, he has played only five of the 13 T20 internationals.

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Ashwin on Arshdeep Singh's exclusion

“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,” said Ashwin on his YouTube channel.

“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,” he added.

Ashwin on Arshdeep Singh's situation

Ashwin who announced his international retirement in Australia during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, also likened Arshdeep's situation to his own, saying he has been in his shoes in the past, so he knows what the pacer from Punjab must be going through right now.

“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,” said Ashwin.

“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?” he added.