Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has strongly criticised the India team management for not picking Arshdeep Singh in their first match of the Asia Cup 2025 against the UAE. India played that game with only one main fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, while Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube filled the other pace spots.
Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said that the team will probably stay the same for Sunday’s match against Pakistan, which means Arshdeep may have to sit out again.
Speaking on his YouTube channel Ash Ki Baat, Ashwin said, “I am not sure Shivam Dube is your third seamer. This is not about Shivam Dube. This is about having a quality bowler in your lineup. I agree that batting depth is important in T20s. Just look at the other teams, Mitchell Starc, Kagiso Rabada, Adil Rashid and Jofra Archer, they all can swing the bat. Actually, these teams have worked on the batting of those who are proper bowlers. But only in India do we think about those players who are batters but can bowl a bit. Actually, itshould be the reverse.”
Ashwin reminded everyone that Arshdeep is one of India’s top T20I wicket-takers with 99 wickets, and he also said the left-arm pacer is capable with the bat. “Arshdeep Singh has shown that he can throw the bat. He has displayed his batting credentials,” Ashwin said.
He added, “Arshdeep has to come in… He is in a purple patch and bowling well. He is not going to get these wonderful years back.” Ashwin also requested the bowlers to show pride if they don’t get a chance, saying, “If we are made to sit out, then we should be angry.”
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