India's young speedster Arshdeep Singh revealed his mindset and strategy when he took the new ball in the powe play during India’s win against South Africa in the first T20I at the Barabati Stadium. He said his goal was to hit the seam and “get as much purchase off the wicket” as possible.
India's batting vs SA in 1st T20I
After being asked top bat, India posted 175/6, thanks to Hardik Pandya’s unbeaten 59. The bowlers then took control, with Arshdeep striking early. He dismissed Quinton de Kock for a duck in the first over and picked up Tristan Stubbs in the third, giving India crucial early breakthroughs. Arshdeep bowled just two overs but made them count, finishing with figures of 2-14. Speaking about his approach, he said,
“The thought process is simple: just go there and use whatever help the wicket gives you to get early wickets for the team. If you hit the seam well, the ball either bounces more or seams in or out, and that’s what I try to use.”
"The idea was to just hit the seam as hard as possible and get as much purchase off the wicket. I bowled full, got a wicket. Then bowled full, went for a four. Then I knew I had to bowl short, got a wicket on that. Again bowled full, went for a four. So yeah, I was getting quick reminders there.”
Arshdeep on Bumrah's 100 T20 wickets club
During the clash, pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah completed his 100 T20I wickets, removing Dewald Brevis and becoming only the second Indian bowler, after Arshdeep, to achieve the feat. When asked what message he conveyed to the Mumbai Indians pacer on his achievement, the 26-year-old said, “Yeah, I just told him ‘Welcome.’ Congratulated him and told him, ‘Welcome to the club.’”
Speaking further about how the bowlers' bowling economical spells helps ease the decision-making process for the team’s captain, Arshdeep added, “It makes life very easy for the captain as well. They can play around with the bowling combinations, whenever he wants Jassi (Bumrah) bhai to bowl three in the powerplay or me to bowl three in the powerplay. We just try to give him as much flexibility as possible and we’re enjoying each other’s company. I mean, I’m just trying to enjoy the present and just have fun. It’s very rare you get to play on these kinds of wickets where there’s seam and swing on offer. So I just try to stay patient, not get too excited seeing help in the wicket, stay disciplined and enjoy whatever is there.”
The second T20I between India and South Africa will take place on December 11 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh.