Team India registered a resounding victory in the first T20 match against South Africa and the biggest reason for this victory was the excellent performance of the bowling department. Especially left arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, who turned the match in India’s favour by taking two big wickets in the beginning of the second innings.
By dismissing Quinton De Kock and Tristan Stubbs early, Arshdeep pushed the visiting team on the back foot. After the match, he shared many important things about his bowling strategy and told how the Cuttack pitch helped the bowlers and how well they used this help.
Arshdeep explained his plan to push South Africa behind
Singh rattled the South African batting lineup in his first three overs. He explained that his plan was simply to make the most of the pitch’s assistance and get early wickets. He explained that the pitch had bounce and slight movement, which showed its effects early on. By dismissing de Kock and Stubbs, he gave India a strong start. According to him, this early success energized the other bowlers and boosted the team’s confidence.
Arshdeep explained in the interview that he constantly searched for the right length. He said that when he pitched the ball high, he got a wicket once and a four the next time. This taught him when to shorten the length and when to increase it. He tried to make the ball move both in and out, using the seam. He took advantage of the seam and swing on the Cuttack pitch with discipline. According to him, such pitches are rare, so patience was essential.
Arshdeep said that pitches that offer both seam and swing are rare. Therefore, he kept his cool and didn’t get too excited. His entire focus was on discipline, ensuring the team could utilize whatever assistance the pitch offered. He said that if bowlers show patience in such conditions, wickets are guaranteed. With this mindset, he set out and achieved early success for the team.