Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin urged the team management to continue backing Arshdeep Singh following his impressive new-ball performance in the first T20I against South Africa on Tuesday, December 9. The left-arm pacer claimed 2 wickets for just 14 runs in his two overs at Barabati Stadium, helping India secure a dominant 101-run victory.
Having been sidelined from the playing XI recently due to India’s preference for more batting depth and three spinners, Arshdeep had played a couple of matches in Australia, taking four wickets across those games. His consistent performances earned him a spot in the series opener against the Proteas, where he once again demonstrated his value.
Continuing his stellar form, Arshdeep struck early by dismissing Quinton de Kock for a duck and then removing Tristan Stubbs in his next over. This double blow left South Africa reeling at 16-2 in the third over, and they were unable to recover during the chase.
“Keep Arshdeep Singh In Playing XI”- Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin reflected on how Arshdeep Singh was an inexperienced talent during his IPL debut in 2019 and has since developed into a reliable match-winner for India.
“Please don’t drop Arshdeep Singh now. It is very important for him to be in the team. He showed that even today,” R Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
“I will call Arshdeep on my show 100 percent. When I was the Punjab Kings’ captain, that was when he made his debut. He made his debut under my captaincy. Back then, he was very raw, he did not have control of his bowling. His strength has always been his attitude. He is ready for the fight. He should be a starter in every game, no matter what the conditions are,” he added.
Arshdeep Singh has taken at least one wicket in each of his last 17 T20I matches, with his most recent wicketless performance occurring in the 2024 T20 World Cup semi-final against England.
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