Former Indian batter Robin Uthappa has urged the team management to back Arshdeep Singh ahead of Harshit Rana in any circumstances in the T20 World Cup 2026. Singh is the highest wicket-taker in T20Is for India and he can get the ball to swing both ways in the Powerplay overs.

Furthermore, the left-arm pacer can hit the blockhole in the death overs. Singh scalped 110 wickets in 72 T20I matches at an average of 18.91 and economy rate of 8.41.

On the other hand, Harshit Rana has done a decent job whenever he has received his chances. Jasprit Bumrah will be India’s frontline seamer in the T20I showpiece.

Robin Uthappa said on his YouTube Channel, “I like Harshit as a bowler; he’s immensely talented, but I prefer Arshdeep over Harshit in any circumstances. As batter, if Harshit can hit three sixes in ten balls, I think Arshdeep can hit two at this point. What he brings to the table is far more valuable than Harshit at this point.

Speaking on the team’s combination, Uthappa said Kuldeep might have to sit out as Varun Chakravarthy is India’s number one choice spinner.

He said, “In my view, Axar is a very underrated bowler. Yes, Kuldeep is amazing, and if the conditions allow three spinners, then unfortunately, Arshdeep has to miss out, which I don’t like. I think Arshdeep, irrespective of any wicket, should play. Which means unfortunately, Kuldeep has to be out because Varun is the No.1 T20I bowler in the world.

“Between Axar and Kuldeep, I always feel [that] having eight batters is important. And if you have eight batters and six bowlers, that’s the sweetest spot where you can stay in the T20I game… There is no better thing, no better blessing you can get in a team; you have to maintain that,” Uthappa added.

India will begin their T20 World Cup campaign against the USA on February 7.