The former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has voiced strong displeasure over Arshdeep Singh being left out of the playing XI for the first two ODIs against New Zealand. Ashwin felt that leaving Arshdeep out could damage the young pacer’s growth.
Ashwin further believed that Arshdeep has already done enough to establish himself as a crucial part of India’s pace-bowling unit but despite that he is being left out repeatedly. Arshdeep has played 22 ODIs, having 22 wickets.
"The contest is between the bowlers. For South Africa, you need a hit-the-deck bowler. Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana both need match experience, so I can understand the thinking. But no one is thinking about Arshdeep Singh, who will stand in his shoes and think? This is not about how much he has played and how much he hasn't played," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
"What must he be thinking right now? He has done so much, yet he is still fighting for his spot. Whenever he plays next, he will be rusty. No matter what you say, this is a game of confidence. Why does this happen to the bowlers at all times? It never happens with the batters," he said.
Ashwin further backed Arshdeep saying he deserves a place in the team.
“I have been in this position, so I know how it is. It is quite unfair. This is why I am fighting for Arshdeep Singh. Whenever you have given him the ball, he has performed for you. Allow him to walk into the playing XI with his head held high. He deserves this boss,” he said.
"Even if he plays the third ODI now, what will that do? Why did he not play the first two matches? What will that do to his confidence? I am talking from a cricketer's perspective," he stated.