Here's why Arshdeep Singh missed first two T20Is against Australia
What's the story
India's bowling coach Morne Morkel has explained the rationale behind left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh's absence from the first two T20Is of the ongoing series against Australia Down Under. Morkel said that the team is looking to try out different bowling combinations while keeping an eye on future goals. After missing out on the first two games, Arshdeep made a strong comeback in the third match in Hobart, taking three wickets in his four-over spell.
Strategic approach
Morkel on Arshdeep's absence
Morkel emphasized that while Arshdeep is a world-class bowler and has been among the wickets, it is also important to test other combinations. Ahead of the 4th T20I, Morkel said, "He is a world-class bowler and has taken the most wickets for us in power play, so we know how valuable he is to the team. But for us on the day, on this tour, it is also to have a look at other combinations."
Testing players
Testing players ahead of T20 World Cup
Morkel also acknowledged the need for testing several players ahead of the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup. "There are limited games now leading into the T20 World Cup, so it is essential for us to see how the players can react in certain situations under pressure; otherwise, it will be unknown to us. So it is a bit of playing those sorts of games and then still having the mindset to win the game of cricket," Morkel added.
Performance
Arshdeep shines in Hobart
After warming the bench in Canberra and Melbourne, Arshdeep shone against Australia in the 3rd T20I at Hobart's Bellerive Oval. The left-arm seamer took three wickets as the Aussies racked up 186/6, being invited to bat, in 20 overs. Arshdeep made a mark in both powerplay and death overs. He recorded his career-best T20I figures against Australia. India later won the match by five wickets.
Wickets
Most T20I wickets for India
Arshdeep is India's highest wicket-taker in T20I cricket, having taken 104 wickets from 66 games at a remarkable average of 18.55. His tally includes 2 four-wicket hauls and an economy of 8.37. According to ESPNcricinfo, Arshdeep became the fourth Indian to take 35-plus wickets away from home in T20Is. The pacer, who owns 35 away wickets, joined Kuldeep Yadav (39), Yuzvendra Chahal (37), and Hardik Pandya (36) in this regard.