IND vs NZ 2026: 'Give Arshdeep Singh the place he deserves, let him walk into the XI with head held high' - Former India spinner ahead of 3rd ODI

Published - 16 Jan 2026, 17:52 IST | Updated - 16 Jan 2026, 18:32 IST

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin warned the Indian team management that Arshdeep Singh's confidence and rhythm could be harmed if he is not allowed to play matches consistently. His comments came after India's leading wicket-taker in T20I cricket was left out of the playing XI for the first two ODIs against New Zealand.

In the ODI series against South Africa late last year, Arshdeep played all three matches and accounted for five wickets. He was also the most economical bowler in the series, showing much better control than his compatriots, Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna. However, in the first two ODIs against New Zealand, the Indian team management, led by head coach Gautam Gambhir, has decided to play Rana and Krishna, alongside the returning Mohammed Siraj.

Ashwin said that Arshdeep deserves a place in the side, considering the consistency he has shown with the ball over a long period of time.

“He has performed every time you have given him the ball. Give him the place he deserves. Allow him to walk into the eleven with his head held high,” Ashwin was quoted as saying by India Today, as he stressed that consistent performances must translate into security in selection.

Ashwin believes that Arshdeep's confidence has been dented and playing him the third ODI will not be enough to change that.

“Now what is the use of him playing the third ODI? Why did he not play the first two ODIs. What will that do to his confidence?” the 2011 ODI World Cup winner asked.

The legendary off-spinner opined that when Arshdeep will eventually get an opportunity to play, he will not be at his best.

“Cricket is a game of confidence. The next time he plays, he will be rusty. Whatever you say, this keeps happening with bowlers. It never happens with batsmen,” he said.

Instead of looking at how much he played under the coaching tenures of Gambhir's predecessors, Ashwin said it is important to think about the player's mindset after being benched despite strong performances.

“This is not about how much he played under Rahul bhai and how much he is playing now. It is about what must be going through his head right now,” he said.

The former Tamil Nadu captain said he understands how Arshdeep might be feeling as he has been through a similar phase in his career as well.

“I have been in this situation myself, and so I know it is quite unfair. And that is why I always fight for Arshdeep,” Ashwin said.