When team India announced the first XI for the 1st T20I match of the ongoing white-ball series again Australia, cricket fans left stunned. No Arshdeep Singh was in the playing XI. Team India preferred to go with Harshit Rana instead of Arshdeep. But why the Gautam Gambhir and company decided to drop Singh to play Rana? Through this article we’ll explore the reasons behind the selection.
Team India preferred Harshit Rana over Arshdeep. This further disappointed fans and they vented their anger on social media. Not only fans, but Irfan Pathan also tweeted about this issue, including Arshdeep’s name. The question, however, is why Arshdeep Singh is being left out of the playing XI, despite being India’s most successful T20 bowler. Let us explain the reason.
Arshdeep Singh’s T20I career in brief
Arshdeep Singh has taken 101 wickets for India in T20 Internationals. He is the only Indian to take 100 wickets in T20Is, but despite this, he is often left out of the team because he doesn’t fit into the team management’s plans. The Australian pitches are more bouncy, and Harshit Rana is given the opportunity there because he generates more bounce using his shoulder. Arshdeep Singh, on the other hand, is considered a swing bowler.
Why the team preferred Harshit Rana over Arshdeep Singh?
Another reason for preferring Harshit Rana over Arshdeep is that he can also bat. Harshit has the ability to score quickly at number 9, which the Indian team management considers crucial. Harshit also showcased his batting prowess in the second ODI against Australia. Fans are not entirely happy with the team management’s decision. But what is Harshit Rana’s fault? This bowler has performed well so far. He silenced his critics by taking four wickets in the Sydney ODI.