Due to an additional batting option in the T20 series against Australia, Harshit Rana is getting a place in the playing 11, while fast bowler Arshdeep is not getting a place in the playing eleven. Former cricketer R Ashwin has also raised questions regarding this, he said that he (Arshdeep) should be with Bumrah. He was seen angry at the team management.
The journalist who was talking to Ashwin in the show ‘Aish Ki Baat’ on YouTube channel asked, “How difficult is it to keep Arshdeep out of Melbourne? Because there is a debate going on about it. On this, Ashwin said, “I am tired of answering this question. When you talk about Arshdeep Singh, the question arises as to whose place he can play. He can replace only one person, that is Harshit Rana. But the problem is that today’s debate is whether we played with an extra spinner? Perhaps, on a pitch where we saw so much bounce and spice, we could have played with an extra fast bowler along with Harshit Rana.”
Arshdeep should be the second main fast bowler- Ashwin
Ashwin further said, “But my point is that Arshdeep Singh’s name should be in the list as the second main fast bowler when Bumrah is playing, if Bumrah is not playing then Arshdeep should be the first main fast bowler. I am not able to understand how Arshdeep Singh can be left out of the playing 11. I really don’t understand.”
Ashwin made it clear in his words that there is no talk of ousting Harshit Rana, but it is only for Arshdeep Singh. He said, “Harshit Rana made a good contribution with the bat today, this is not about him at all, it is about Arshdeep Singh. The performance he has shown in the T20 World Cup 2024, since then he has been out of the team continuously. He was kept on the bench so many times that his rhythm got disturbed a bit.”
He further added, “We saw in the Asia Cup, he bowled well, he made very good comeback spells, but he looked a bit out of form. Even your champion bowler will fade away if you don’t play him. It is a really difficult situation for Arshdeep and I hope he starts getting the place he deserves. He deserves a place in the team and it is not about anyone else, please play him.”
