In a recent outburst, former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has voiced strong criticism against the management of the Indian cricket team, particularly targeting head coach Gautam Gambhir. The focal point of Ashwin’s ire is the exclusion of young left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh from the playing XI during India’s Asia Cup 2025 opener against the United Arab Emirates (UAE). With the next match against Pakistan looming, it appears increasingly unlikely that Singh will be reinstated in the lineup.
As India gears up for a crucial match against Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has indicated that the team is unlikely to make changes to the starting XI, citing a desire to maintain a winning combination. This decision has raised eyebrows, especially given that Arshdeep Singh is currently India’s leading wicket-taker in T20 internationals, boasting an impressive tally of 99 wickets.
Ashwin’s frustration stems from the fact that India opted for a single frontline pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, in the match against the UAE, while relying on Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube as additional pace options. This strategy has led Ashwin to question the team’s approach to balancing batting depth with bowling quality.
Questioning Team Strategy
In a candid discussion on his YouTube channel, “Ash Ki Baat,” Ashwin highlighted the contrasting strategies employed by other cricketing nations. He pointed out that teams like Australia and South Africa prioritize having quality bowlers in their lineup, even if those bowlers can contribute with the bat. “I am not sure Shivam Dube is your third seamer. This is not about Shivam Dube. This is about having a quality bowler in your lineup,” Ashwin remarked. He emphasized that while batting depth is crucial in T20 cricket, it should not come at the expense of fielding a strong bowling attack.
Ashwin’s comments reflect a broader concern within the cricketing community regarding the selection policies of the Indian team. He noted that other teams have successfully integrated bowlers who can bat, such as Mitchell Starc and Jofra Archer, into their squads. “Only in India do we think about those players who are batters but can bowl a bit. Actually, it should be the reverse,” he added.
Advocating for Arshdeep Singh
Arshdeep Singh’s exclusion from the playing XI has sparked a debate about the treatment of specialist bowlers in the Indian setup. Ashwin argued that Arshdeep’s talent should not be sidelined simply because he lacks extensive batting credentials. “Arshdeep has shown that he can throw the bat. He has displayed his batting credentials. If someone has the talent, then you should work with them,” he stated. Ashwin believes that the management’s fixation on batting depth is detrimental to the team’s overall performance.
He further asserted that Arshdeep should be a guaranteed selection in the playing XI, especially given his current form. “If you can lock Shubman Gill as opener, Suryakumar Yadav at No.4, and Jasprit Bumrah at No.11, then why can’t someone who has been your best T20 bowler, be locked?” Ashwin questioned. This sentiment underscores the need for a more balanced approach to team selection, one that values the contributions of bowlers as much as those of batsmen.
The Psychological Impact on Bowlers
Ashwin also delved into the psychological ramifications of consistently sidelining bowlers like Arshdeep. He expressed concern that such decisions, often made by batters who may not fully understand the mindset of bowlers, could undermine their confidence. “These decisions pertaining to bowlers are sometimes taken by batters. These batters have never bowled a ball in their entire life,” he remarked. Ashwin emphasized the importance of recognizing the unique challenges faced by bowlers and the need for management to support them during their peak years.
He urged the cricketing community to take pride in their bowlers and to advocate for their rightful place in the team. “If we don’t have pride within our community, then no one would take us seriously,” he warned. Ashwin’s passionate defense of Arshdeep Singh serves as a rallying cry for bowlers who often find themselves overlooked in favor of batting-heavy lineups.
Conclusion
The ongoing debate surrounding Arshdeep Singh’s exclusion from the Indian cricket team highlights a significant issue within the sport: the balance between batting depth and bowling quality. Ravichandran Ashwin’s outspoken criticism of the management’s decisions reflects a growing sentiment among players and fans alike that the current selection policies may not be in the best interest of the team. As India prepares for its next match against Pakistan, the question remains: will the management reconsider its approach and give Arshdeep Singh the opportunity he deserves? The outcome of this decision could have far-reaching implications for the team’s performance in the Asia Cup and beyond.
