Arshdeep Singh has been endorsed by former Indian spin-bowling all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin to be included in India’s playing XI for the 2025 Asia Cup. Few anticipated Arshdeep’s absence, but the left-arm fast was benched for India’s opening match against the United Arab Emirates in Dubai.
Rather, the Men in Blue entered with one frontline pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, and three spinners, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel. Fast bowling all-rounders Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya were favoured.
“Arshdeep ought to be included in the starting lineup. Why can’t the top T20 bowler be assured a spot if you can lock down Jasprit Bumrah at number 11, Suryakumar Yadav at number 4, and Shubman Gill as opener? On his YouTube channel, Ashwin, who recently announced his retirement from the IPL and international cricket, stated, “These decisions have always bothered me.”
Ashwin’s case is reinforced by Arshdeep’s T20I statistics, as he has more wickets than Bumrah and a higher strike rate (13.2 vs 16.9).
The 25-year-old was also excluded from making his Test debut during India’s five-match series in England earlier this year, when Gautam Gambhir was captaining the team.
“Batters who have never bowled a ball in their lives make a lot of these choices. Bowlers have honed their skills for years, yet being excluded frequently undermines their confidence. In the IPL and international cricket, Arshdeep is playing at his best. Ashwin noted, “He won’t get these years back.”
He also emphasised how crucial it is to value bowlers in Twenty20 cricket, saying, “If a player has talent, he deserves to play.” It’s unfair to leave him out simply because he isn’t a batter. A powerful four-over spell can make the difference in a Twenty20 cricket match. Bowlers should not tolerate being quietly sidelined and should take pride in their craft.
With 93 balls remaining, India chased down the 58-run mark and defeated the UAE by nine wickets. On September 14 (Sunday), they will face Pakistan in a high-stakes match in Dubai.
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