A storm is brewing in the new era of former bouncer Indian Cricket Ravichandran ashwin expressed his frustration with his consistent inaction Arshdeep Singh From India’s latest T20i lineups.
Since then Gautam Gambhir As head coach, the team’s selection strategy came under scrutiny and Ashwin’s strong words only fueled the controversy.
Arshdeep, India’s leading T20I Wicket-Taker and the first Indian to break the 100-wicket mark in the format, finds himself on the sidelines despite being pivotal in the T20 World Cup 2024 Triumph. His ability to swing the new ball and dominate at the death has gone to India’s pacer during crucial phases, but the new regime’s emphasis on batting depth has made him bench-warmer. Lack of xi of 26-year-olds playing AustraliaIt led to widespread disbelief, especially after an exceptional World Cup campaign.
R. Ashwin Questions Gautam Gambhir and Logic and Strategy of Team Management
Ashwin, taking the current team leadership led by Gambhir, called for their decision-making in the final T20i selections. On his YouTube channel, Ashwin claimed that ARSHDEP’s name should automatically be followed Jasprit BumrahControversy in any T20 squad made little sense given his record, which highlighted the left-arm pacer’s exclusion. Noted that Arshdeep, who had 101 wickets in 65 T20s in 1965, delivered under pressure both at power and death.
Again, in the second T20I against Australia in Melbourne, India, a spin-heavy quince, opted to deliver Harshit Rana a place. Rana allowed his top-order to take control of his expensive spell as he batted with a useful 35 runs. A proven match-winner over the sidelines, he warned his Chiefs about the risks of damaging his confidence, reminding him that even champion bowlers can turn rusty without regular match exposure.
‘Arshdeep Singh’s name should be the second name in the list of fast bowlers if Bumrah is playing. If Bumrah doesn’t play, Arshdeep becomes your first bowler in that team list. I can’t understand how Arshdeep Singh is missing from this side’s XI. I really don’t get it” Ashwin said.
“Of course Harshit Rana had a decent day with the bat. A 39-year-old child was added.
See also: AUS vs Ind: Harshit Rana blasts Marcus Stoinis for 6 off a monstrous 104m in 2nd T20I
Arshdeep Singh’s continued actions are of wider concern
Beyond personal criticism, Ashwin points to a profoundly profound problem, a philosophical disconnect at the center of new Indian thought. Since taking charge, Gambhir’s focus has been on strengthening his batting depth and introducing new faces, but that approach has ended up ignoring a specialist in-form court. Despite being India’s most consistent T20 Bowler, ArshDeep has become emblematic of the uneasy balance between experience and performance-based selection.
His struggles for playing time have already become apparent Asian Cup 2025Where Ashwin looked a bit rusty after a long spell on the bench was highlighted as a direct result of poor spin. The veteran off-spinner stressed that removing such a key player sends the wrong message to the dressing room where players may start questioning the reward system for excellence.
“He sat well in the Asia Cup, he said very well because he was rusty. Ashwin is over.
Read: Fans toast AUS vs AUS after another flop show in Australia during 2nd T20I
