(Source X)
Arshdeep Singh, now established as a senior bowler in India’s T20I squad, was rested for the final match against Sri Lanka, held on Tuesday. With India having already clinched the series, the decision aimed to provide rest to key players, including Arshdeep Singh, who impressed with four wickets in the series and consistently effective use of the new ball in the first two games.
Joining Arshdeep on the sidelines were Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, and Axar Patel. Their places were taken by Khaleel Ahmed, Washington Sundar, Shivam Dube, and Shubman Gill, who returned to the T20I fold after recovering from a neck issue that kept him out of the second T20I. Meanwhile, despite a tough outing previously, Sanju Samson retained his spot in the playing XI.
Prior to the match, Arshdeep Singh shared insights with broadcasters, reflecting on his journey in Indian cricket, particularly his bowling performances in T20Is and white-ball cricket overall.
Grateful To Play For India: Arshdeep Singh
“(On his journey in international cricket) I am very grateful, you always dream to play for your country and I have received a lot of support. I like the pressure, I like tough situations and I want to perform in those situations,” said Arshdeep saying that he loves bowling in tough situations.
He also discussed the experience of bowling alongside stalwarts such as Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah. During the T20 World Cup, he formed a crucial partnership with Bumrah, claiming 17 wickets and making a significant contribution to India’s victorious campaign in the tournament.
“I have been lucky enough to play with great bowlers like Bhuvi, Bumarh and now Siraj as well. The vibe (in the team) is really nice, the environment is very light, we are having fun, we are having each others’ back,” said Arshdeep.
Meanwhile, Gautam Gambhir and the team management opted to rest India’s top four players for the final T20I against Sri Lanka. Despite retaining Sanju Samson in the XI, his performance continued to disappoint as he was dismissed for a duck off just four balls, replicating his first-ball dismissal in the previous T20I against Sri Lanka.
In contrast, Arshdeep Singh has emerged as one of India’s leading wicket-takers in T20I cricket, boasting 83 scalps from 54 matches. He currently ranks third on the list, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar closely ahead on 90 wickets. Yuzvendra Chahal holds the top spot as India’s highest wicket-taker in T20Is with 96 dismissals. Notably, Arshdeep has not been included in the Indian ODI squad announced for the upcoming three-match series against Sri Lanka.
