While Arshdeep Singh was the star performer for India in the third T20I against Australia at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart on Sunday, November 2, he did not feature in the first two games of the series. The left-arm pacer produced a match-winning spell, taking 3/35 in four overs and winning the Player of the Match award.
In recent months, Arshdeep’s role in India’s T20 setup has been irregular. During the Asia Cup in September, he played only two games, both when Jasprit Bumrah was rested. Despite being India’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is, Arshdeep has not been a consistent starter.
Gautam Gambhir’s Team testing players under pressure
Speaking ahead of the fourth T20I between India and Australia at the Carrara Oval in Queensland on Thursday, November 6, India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel explained the team’s selection plans.
“It is not easy. There will always be disappointment in terms of players and selection, but that is something at times that, as a player, is uncontrollable. 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,” said Morkel.
He further added that the management wants to test how players handle tough moments before the 2026 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 said.
Arshdeep has been one of India’s most effective T20 bowlers. He has taken 104 wickets from 66 matches at an average of 18.56 and an economy rate of 8.39.
“You need to have options available”– Morkel
Morkel also spoke about India’s frequent changes in batting and bowling combinations.
“You need to have options available. I think every team, if you look across the world, is playing around with options,” he said.
India have tied the T20I series 1-1 heading into the fourth match in Queensland.
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