AUS vs IND 2025: ‘Batters take more risks against me when Bumrah bowls’ - Arshdeep Singh

Published - 02 Nov 2025, 20:46 IST | Updated - 02 Nov 2025, 20:46 IST

Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh finally earned a spot in India’s playing XI for the third T20I against Australia in Hobart and made an immediate impact with a brilliant three-wicket haul that powered the Men in Blue to a five-wicket win, leveling the series 1-1 with two games to go.

The Punjab pacer dismissed Travis Head, Josh Inglis, and Marcus Stoinis, showcasing his accuracy and variations to restrict Australia to 186/6. India then chased down the target in 18.3 overs, thanks to a fiery unbeaten 49-run knock by Washington Sundar, sealing a convincing victory.

“When someone is coming hard at you, there’s always a chance to pick up wickets. And when someone like Bumrah is bowling from the other end, batters often take more risks against me, that gives me wicket-taking opportunities,” Arshdeep said after the match where he won the Player of the Match trophy.

“I’ve just been working on my process, trusting my skills, and executing the plans I’ve practised. It feels great to contribute when I get the chance. I just try to enjoy my bowling and keep my plans simple. No matter the situation – powerplay or death – I just focus on execution and stick to what I’ve practised,” he added.

The left-arm pacer, who has taken over 100 wickets for the Men in Blue, was surprisingly benched for the first two matches of the T20I series against Australia, a decision that left many puzzled. Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin recently expressed his concern over Arshdeep’s lack of game time, urging the team management to provide him with more opportunities. Ashwin emphasised that a bowler of Arshdeep’s caliber needs consistent match exposure to maintain rhythm and confidence, warning that prolonged time on the sidelines could make him lose his sharpness and turn rusty.

“Arshdeep Singh’s name should be the second name on your fast bowlers’ list if Bumrah is playing. If Bumrah is not playing, Arshdeep becomes your first bowler on that team list. I just cannot understand how Arshdeep Singh keeps missing out from the XI in this side. I don’t really get it. Of course, Harshit Rana had a decent day with the bat. He batted decently but this is not about him at all. It’s about Arshdeep Singh. The performance he put in the T20 World Cup in 2024, after that he has consistently found ways to stay out of the team. He has been benched so many times that he has lost a bit of rhythm,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.