Morne Morkel opens up on Arshdeep Singh’s selection conundrum ahead of 4th T20I against Australia

India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel has shed light on Arshdeep Singh’s selection conundrum ahead of the fourth T20I against Australia. Singh has failed to get regular chances in the playing XI in the T20I team, which has been surprising.

Singh was not part of the team’s playing XI for the first two matches against the Aussies as India preferred to play Harshit Rana ahead of him. The left-arm seamer’s omission from the final XI has been surprising as he is India’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is with 101 scalps. The Punjab seamer has the ability to swing the ball in the Powerplay overs and he can also hit the block hole in the death overs.

However, Morkel said Arshdeep has all the experience under his belt and he understands that they are experimenting a bit with their playing combination.

“There will always be disappointment in terms of players with selection but that is something at times, as a player is uncontrollable. From our side, we just keep on asking them to work hard and train hard, and be ready for when they do get the opportunity. There are limited games leading into the T20 World Cup. It is important for us to see how guys react in certain situations under pressure,” Morne Morkel said during the pre-match press conference in Gold Coast.

“I think Arshdeep is experienced. He understands that, you know, that there is also a bigger picture where we are trying different combinations. He knows he is a world class bowler, he has taken the most wickets for us in the powerplay. We know how valuable he is to the team,” Morkel added.

Singh had returned with impressive figures of 3-35 in his quota of four overs in the third T20I against Australia at Hobart and was awarded Player of the Match.

Meanwhile, Nitish Kumar Reddy was ruled out of the first three T20Is due to a left quadriceps injury. The former South African fast bowler revealed that Reddy will be assessed now.

“He did all his work that was needed or expected of him in fielding, batting, and bowling. He ticked all of that, so we will find out now after assessment where he is at,” Morkel said.

Morkel said getting the right playing combination ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 is of paramount importance for them.

“Getting the combination right before the World Cup is far more important (than the series win), 100 per cent. You need to have options available. With a World Cup around the corner, you don’t want to leave any stones unturned. You don’t want to sit two years down the line and say if only we had tried that or given a combination a bit more time. I think it is about playing it smartly,” Morkel concluded.

The fourth T20I between India and Australia will be played on Thursday at the Bill Pippen Oval, Gold Coast.