A contentious situation is unfolding within the revamped Indian cricket setup, with veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin openly expressing his concerns regarding the repeated exclusion of Arshdeep Singh from India’s recent T20I matches.
With Gautam Gambhir now at the helm as head coach, the team’s selection process has faced heightened examination, and Ashwin’s pointed comments have only amplified the discussion.
Arshdeep, the leading wicket-taker for India in T20Is and the first Indian to surpass 100 wickets in this format, is surprisingly sidelined despite playing a crucial role in the T20 World Cup 2024 success. His proficiency in swinging the ball early and performing well in the final overs made him India’s primary bowler during critical moments, yet the new leadership’s emphasis on bolstering batting capabilities has resulted in him being left out of the playing eleven. The 26-year-old’s non-inclusion in the lineup against Australia, especially following a stellar World Cup performance, has generated considerable astonishment.
R. Ashwin questions Gautam Gambhir and team management’s logic and strategy
Ashwin directly addressed the current team management under Gambhir, openly questioning their decision-making in the recent T20I selections. In a video on his YouTube channel, Ashwin stated that Arshdeep should be automatically included alongside Jasprit Bumrah in any T20 squad discussion, arguing that the left-arm pacer’s exclusion is illogical given his track record. He pointed out that Arshdeep, who has taken 101 wickets in 65 T20Is with an average of 18.76, has consistently performed well under pressure, both during the powerplay and in the death overs.
However, in the second T20I against Australia in Melbourne, India opted for a spin-oriented strategy, giving Harshit Rana a spot. While Rana contributed a helpful 35 runs, his expensive bowling allowed Australia’s top order to gain momentum. He cautioned that keeping a proven match-winner on the sidelines could negatively impact his form and self-assurance, reminding everyone that even elite bowlers can lose their sharpness without consistent match practice.
‘Arshdeep Singh’s name should be the second name on your fast bowlers’ list if Bumrah is playing. If Bumrah is not playing, Arshdeep becomes your first bowler on that team list. I just cannot understand how Arshdeep Singh keeps missing out on the XI in this side. I don’t really get it,” Ashwin said.
“Of course, Harshit Rana had a decent day with the bat. He batted decently, but this is not about him at all. It’s about Arshdeep Singh. The performance he put in the T20 World Cup in 2024 was impressive, but since then, he has consistently found ways to stay out of the team. He has been benched so many times that he has lost a bit of rhythm,” the 39-year-old added.
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Arshdeep Singh’s continued omission raises broader concerns
Beyond specific criticisms, Ashwin’s comments suggest a more systemic issue, a fundamental difference in approach within India’s new leadership group. Since assuming control, Gambhir’s priority has been to enhance batting strength and introduce fresh talent, but this strategy has meant overlooking a bowler who is in good form. Arshdeep’s prolonged absence, despite his consistency in T20 cricket for India, highlights the existing tension between the desire to experiment and the need to reward performance.
His limited opportunities for match time were already apparent during the Asia Cup 2025, where he seemed slightly out of touch after an extended period on the bench, a point Ashwin made to illustrate the consequences of inadequate player rotation. The experienced off-spinner emphasized that excluding such a key player sends a negative signal to the team, where players might begin to question the value placed on consistent performance.
“We saw in the Asia Cup, he bowled well, he came back very well in the spell, but he looked rusty. Your champion bowler will look rusty if you don’t play him. So it’s a really tough situation if you are Arshdeep Singh, and I really hope he starts getting the place he deserves. He deserves to be there, and it’s not about somebody else. He has a place in the team. Please play him,” Ashwin concluded.
