Bharath Ramaraj in Dubai
A few days prior to the India-Pakistan Asia Cup encounter, Arshdeep Singh’s main focus seemed to be restricted to fitness drills. Morne Morkel, Ryan ten Doeschate and Adrian le Roux oversaw the performed tasks. He did have some catching practice and also bowled a few overs of seam-up. However, one couldn’t help but wonder about Arshdeep’s current mental state.
The left-arm pacer, who happens to be India’s highest wicket-taker in T20Is, didn’t play in a single match in the Champions Trophy earlier in the year. At one point of time, it felt as if Arshdeep had a decent chance of making his Test debut in the final game of the series against England. The eventual outcome was that he didn’t play in any of the five matches. A month or so later, the only glimpses of Arshdeep outside the hotel premises are at the practice grounds in Dubai.
As an outsider, watching the net sessions, it is difficult to gauge Arshdeep’s state of mind. During one of the fielding sessions, he yelled out after grassing a high catch. Perhaps Arshdeep is still feeling a hint of pain in his bowling hand – He did pick up a finger injury during the Test series in England. Or was it a culmination of all the frustration that comes with being left out of the playing XI time and again? Whatever it was, Arshdeep cut a lonely figure in the practice arena.
The reasoning from the Indian coaching staff is quite simple. They are looking to select an all-rounder who can bowl a few overs of seam. More importantly, an all-rounder who can land a few meaty blows down the order. And with the conditions in the UAE aiding the spinners, Arshdeep has had to warm the benches.
Incidentally, on the eve of the India-UAE game, Arshdeep was also involved in a long batting session in the nets. And his sole aim was to give the ball a mighty thump. Although he couldn’t make the connection with enough of his shots, it was an indicator of Arshdeep trying to improve his batting skills.
With India already having qualified for the Super 4 of the Asia Cup, Arshdeep could very well make it to the playing XI in the inconsequential game against Oman. But in the overall scheme of things, he has basically become a travelling member of the set-up.
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