In India’s opening match, the team management opted for a pace trio comprising Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and Shivam Dube, leaving no room for Arshdeep or fellow pacer Harshit Rana in the starting lineup. The exclusion of a bowler with Arshdeep’s proven track record has prompted questions about the selection dynamics within the squad
Arshdeep Singh (Pic: AFP)
India’s decision to leave out pacer Arshdeep Singh from the playing XI in their Asia Cup 2025 opener against the UAE on Tuesday sparked widespread debate. Despite being India’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is, Arshdeep was relegated to the bench, raising eyebrows over the team’s selection strategy.
In India’s opening match, the team management opted for a pace trio comprising Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and Shivam Dube, leaving no room for Arshdeep or fellow pacer Harshit Rana in the starting lineup. The exclusion of a bowler with Arshdeep’s proven track record has prompted questions about the selection dynamics within the squad.
Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar weighed in on the situation, offering a tongue-in-cheek suggestion that the impact substitute rule, currently used in franchise leagues like the IPL, should be introduced in international T20 cricket, just to accommodate Arshdeep.
“I think we need the impact sub rule in T20Is as well. That would mean Arshdeep would get a chance to play in the playing XII,” Bangar said in jest during a conversation with ESPNcricinfo.
India's upcoming blockbuster clash against Pakistan on September 14 is expected to feature a spin-heavy lineup including Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Varun Chakravarthy, given Pakistan's vulnerability against spin. With Bumrah spearheading the pace attack and Pandya offering balance as an all-rounder, opportunities for a third frontline pacer like Arshdeep remain limited.
Even opposition coaches have acknowledged India’s depth. UAE head coach Lalchand Rajput, speaking after his team’s heavy defeat, remarked: “If Arshdeep Singh can’t make it to playing XI, you can imagine how formidable Indian bowling attack is. Our boys were overawed by some of the big names of Indian cricket.”
The most ironic aspect of Arshdeep’s benching is that he stands on the brink of becoming India’s first bowler to reach 100 T20I wickets, yet risks being overtaken by others simply due to lack of game time.
As the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 progresses, the conversation around Arshdeep’s exclusion is expected to intensify. Whether the Indian management reconsiders its approach or continues with its current formula remains to be seen.
(With inputs from agencies)
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
