Veteran Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane was delighted to note Arshdeep Singh’s inclusion in the third ODI against New Zealand. However, Rahane is hopeful that there was a conversation with Arshdeep regarding his exclusion from the first two games against the Kiwis.

Singh was able to make an impact straight away as he bowled Henry Nicholls on the first ball. The left-arm seamer also accounted for centurion Glenn Phillips and Zak Foulkes. Arshdeep returned with figures of 3-63 in his quota of 10 overs after replacing Prasidh Krishna in the playing XI.

Rahane said Singh can get the ball to swing and also he get early wickets in the Powerplay overs.

Rahane said on Cricbuzz, “I hope there is a conversation between him and the management as to why he wasn’t playing. But Arshdeep is someone who’ll get better while playing matches, as he needs that rhythm. Happy to see Arshdeep back in the ODI 11.”

“He can pick up early wickets, swinging the ball both ways, and has the ability to deliver in the middle and death overs also. At times, he can bluff the batter as well by setting up a different field and bluffing the batter. The left-arm angle is also important.”

On the other hand, former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan wondered what the management is communicating to Arshdeep Singh regarding his bowling. 

“If someone tells Arshdeep he needs to bowl with more pace, he suddenly strives for that instead of focussing on the swing , variations and situations of the game. Suddenly, he thinks that to be part of this 11, I’ve to add that yard of speed. So if the communication is managed well, then it’s fine. We have to see with Arshdeep what the situation is. But when you look at the big World Cup in 2027, he should be an integral part of the playing XI,” said Zaheer (via the aforementioned source).

Singh has shown the right skills and there is no doubt that he should get regular chances in the playing XI in the ODI team.