Former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has questioned Arshdeep Singh’s absence amid the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand. While Ashwin understands the backing of Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna ahead of the ODI World Cup 2027, Ashwin wondered what would be Singh’s mindset as he is not getting regular chances.
Rana and Krishna are hit the deck bowlers and they are going to hold the key in the South African conditions in 2027. Ashwin highlighted that the pace duo needs more experience in the 50-over version.
“The contest is between bowlers. For South Africa (World Cup) you need hit the deck bowlers. Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna need match experience and that is why they are being played. I can understand the thinking. But who is going to get into Arshdeep Singh’s shoes and think? Who is going to do that? This is not about how much he is playing or not, but what goes on in his mind. Somebody who has done so much has to still fight for his place. And the next time he plays, he will be rusty. Why does this happen with bowlers always? I have been in this situation and I know it is unfair, so I am always fighting for Arshdeep. And he has performed always performed,” Ashwin said on ‘Ash ki Baat’.
Ashwin questioned Singh’s absence from the first two ODIs against the Kiwis and said it would not help the bowler’s confidence.
“Even if he plays the third ODI now, what will that do? Why did he not play the first two matches? What will that do to his confidence? I am talking from a cricketer’s perspective,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the former off-spinner reckons Axar Patel will soon return to the ODI set-up as he and Ravindra Jadeja have a similar role.
“What is Jaddu’s role? He and Axar are fighting for one spot. Their role is to score runs in batting and control in bowling. Some time back, Jaddu’s bowling was ahead and Axar was batting really well. Now the competition between them is very tight. If you are not getting what you expect from Jadeja from his experience, then Axar is going to put his hand up very, very soon,” he said.
The third ODI between India and New Zealand will be played at Indore on Sunday.
