Ravichandran Ashwin has launched a sharp critique against the Indian cricket team management. He expressed deep frustration over fast bowler Arshdeep Singh being sidelined for the first two One-Day Internationals against New Zealand.
Ashwin Questions Team Selection Decisions
India opted for Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, and Prasidh Krishna as their primary pace bowlers in the opening matches. Ashwin believes this decision unfairly impacts Arshdeep Singh's career progression and match readiness.
The veteran spinner shared his concerns on his YouTube channel. He emphasized that keeping Arshdeep in the squad but not playing him creates unnecessary problems. "He has performed every time you have given him the ball," Ashwin stated firmly. "Give him the place he deserves. Allow him to walk into the eleven with his head held high. He deserves it boss."
Confidence and Rustiness Concerns
Ashwin questioned the logic behind Arshdeep's potential inclusion only in the third ODI. "Now what is the use of him playing the third ODI? Why did he not play the first two ODIs? What will that do to his confidence?" he asked pointedly.
The cricketer turned analyst warned about practical consequences. "The next time he plays, he will be rusty," Ashwin predicted. "Whatever you say, cricket is a game of confidence. Why does this keep happening with bowlers? It never happens with batsmen."
Personal Experience Informs Criticism
Ashwin revealed his perspective comes from personal experience. "I have been in this situation myself and so I know," he shared. "It is quite unfair. And that is why I always fight for Arshdeep."
He urged management to consider the bowler's mental state. "This is not about how much he played under Rahul Dravid bhai and how much he is playing now. It is about what must be going through his head right now. Somebody who has done so much is having to fight for his place."
Performance Statistics Tell Their Own Story
The selected bowlers delivered mixed performances in the initial matches. Rana and Prasidh proved expensive in the first ODI. They recorded economies of 6.50 and 6.66 respectively. Both players claimed one wicket each in the second game. Harshit maintained an economy of 5.47 while Prasidh went at 5.44.
Arshdeep Singh's ODI record shows consistent performance. He played six ODIs last year, capturing ten wickets with an economy rate of 5.58. Overall, he has taken twenty-two wickets across fourteen ODI matches.
In T20 Internationals, Arshdeep represents a mainstay for India. He leads as the highest wicket-taker in the format for the national side. His tally stands at one hundred ten scalps from seventy-two matches.
Series Context and Upcoming Decider
The ongoing series has seen fluctuating fortunes. India secured victory in the first ODI by four wickets. New Zealand responded strongly, winning the second match by seven wickets.
All attention now turns to the decisive third encounter. The teams will face off on Sunday in Indore. This match will determine the series winner following the current one-all stalemate.
Ashwin's comments highlight ongoing debates about player management and selection policies. His passionate defense of Arshdeep Singh underscores concerns about how teams handle talented bowlers during crucial series.
