India bowling coach Morne Morkel explained that the decision to leave Arshdeep Singh out of the playing XI in the first two T20Is against Australia was taken because the team management wanted to try different bowling combinations. He further remarked that the team is very aware about Arshdeep's fine record in the shortest format and highlighted how valuable the left-arm pacer is for the team.
"I think Arshdeep is experienced. He understands that there's a bigger picture, that we're trying out different combinations. He knows he's a world-class bowler and has taken the most wickets for us in the powerplay. We know how valuable he is to the team. But on this tour, it's also about having a look at other combinations, and he understands that," Morkel said in the pre-match press-conference.
Arshdeep made a superb return in the third T20I against Australia and recorded figures of 3/35. He was adjudged as the Player of the Match for his stellar bowling performance and he played a key role in the hosts being restricted to 186/6 in 20 overs. He is India's top wicket-taker in T20Is with 104 scalps in 66 matches
Morkel on India's rotation policy
Morkel further remarked that a player does not have his selection in his own hands and though the decision turns out to be disappointing on many occasions, it is uncontrollable. He said that with the 2026 T20 World Cup on the horizon, the team management needs to know how certain players react to being under pressure.
"It is not easy. There will always be disappointment in terms of players and selection, but that is something at times that, as a player, is uncontrollable," Morkel stated.
"For us, from our side, we just keep on asking them to work hard and try hard and be ready for when they do get the opportunity. There are limited games now leading into the T20 World Cup, so it is essential for us to see how the players can react in certain situations under pressure; otherwise, it will be unknown to us. So it is a bit of playing those sorts of games and then still having the mindset to win the game of cricket," he added.
Arshdeep hoping to deliver in 4th T20I
Meanwhile, Arshdeep will be looking to rack up many more wickets in the remaining two T20Is of the series against Australia. He will now be setting his sights on the fourth T20I that will be held on November 6 at the Carrara Oval in Queensland.