The recent exclusion of Arshdeep Singh from India's playing XI for the first T20I against Australia, left former cricketer Priyank Panchal baffled. Despite being India's only bowler to take more than 100 wickets in T20Is, the seasoned left-arm pacer has consistently been relegated, missing a spot in the team for the series opener against Australia in Canberra.
Priyank Panchal not happy with Arshdeep's absence in 1st T20I against Australia
This comes as India, who were crowned champions of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 and are currently enjoying an invincible run in the shortest format, begin their Australia tour ahead of hosting the 2026 T20 World Cup. Gautam Gambhir-led Indian team management has already faced a lot of flak for leaving out key players like Arshdeep Singh. Gambhir’s controversial selection philosophy, which prioritizes batting depth across all formats, has been largely unpopular among former players. Despite the blow of losing Nitish Kumar Reddy for the first three games of the series, Gambhir has remained steadfast in his approach, citing the positive results achieved by his altered playing XI.
The decision to sideline Arshdeep Singh has drawn strong reactions. Even India's World Cup-winner Irfan Pathan has been one of the most vocal critics, previously slamming Gambhir for the pacer's exclusion. Following this latest snub, Pathan intensified his attack by taking to his X (formerly Twitter) handle and making a post that instigated brutal trolling aimed at Gautam Gambhir.
Adding to the chorus of criticism, another former Indian cricketer Priyank Panchal weighed in on the ongoing debate. Panchal stated that he is unaware of any other major cricket-playing nation that has repeatedly sidelined its highest-ever wicket-taker in the format, especially with T20 World Cup 2026 fast approaching.
"The number of countries that’d leave their highest wicket taker in a format out of the XI so consistently with a World Cup coming up in four months is very limited. Arshdeep deserves better treatment," wrote Priyank Panchal, the former India cricketer.
Gambhir’s focus on spin depth
Gautam Gambhir's selection decisions may be driven by a strategic imperative: ensuring his key spinners gain sufficient match practice. Considering that the upcoming World Cup is scheduled to be played on subcontinental pitches, Gambhir appears focused on giving game time to specialists like Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy, potentially prioritizing their inclusion over a third frontline pacer.
Meanwhile, the selection puzzle extends to the middle order with the continued exclusion of finisher Rinku Singh. Rinku had previously enjoyed a commendable rise in the role; however, following a series of unconvincing performances in domestic tournaments and the IPL, he has found himself out of the playing XI. Despite the absence of Hardik Pandya, India has chosen to stick with a combination of Sanju Samson at number five and World Cup winner Shivam Dube at number six. Rinku last featured for India in the Asia Cup final, but the inclusion of bowler Harshit Rana at number eight has seemingly tipped the balance, forcing the specialist batter out of the side.