India Addresses Arshdeep Singh's Benchings Despite Leading T20I Wickets
India has explained why pacer Arshdeep Singh has often been benched in T20 Internationals despite holding more wickets than Jasprit Bumrah. Bowling coach Morne Morkel emphasized that with a limited number of games before the T20 World Cup in February, the team management wants to observe how players perform under pressure.
Arshdeep’s Achievements and Limited Playtime
Arshdeep Singh is the only Indian bowler to have taken over 100 wickets in T20Is, achieving this milestone during the Asia Cup. He currently leads India’s wicket tally in the format, with 104 wickets—six more than Bumrah. However, he has not been a regular pick in India’s T20I lineup and has faced criticism for this.
Recent Performance
On Sunday, Arshdeep returned to T20I cricket with an impressive performance, claiming three wickets for 35 runs in India’s series-levelling win against Australia in Hobart. This was his first appearance in the ongoing five-match series and his first T20I since the Asia Cup match against Sri Lanka in September.
"It is not easy," said Morkel about Arshdeep. "There will always be disappointment in terms of players and selection, but that is something at times that, as a player, is uncontrollable."
He added, "For us, from our side, we just keep on asking them to work hard and try hard and be ready for when they do get the opportunity."
Management's Perspective
The limited number of fixtures is a challenge for testing and rotating players ahead of a major tournament. The team management is focused on seeing who can handle the pressure of international cricket to build a strong, adaptable squad.
Author's summary: India's cricket management is balancing limited matches and player readiness ahead of the T20 World Cup, explaining Arshdeep Singh's benching despite his top wicket-taking status.