Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has openly criticised the Indian team management’s decision to exclude left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh from the playing XI in the second T20I against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The match, played on October 31, 2025, saw India field a lineup without Arshdeep, prompting intense debate among fans and experts.
Speaking on his official YouTube channel, Ashwin targeted the team selection, stating: “If you want to experiment, then rest [Jasprit Bumrah]. … Arshdeep Singh is your leading wicket-taker; when we will play the T20 World Cup, there will be some dew. I really hope there’s no dew … But this Arshdeep debate is definitely something that’s very sad because Arshdeep Singh deserves his place.”
Ashwin emphasised that, in his view, Arshdeep’s name should be the second fastest-bowler pick after Bumrah, and if Bumrah isn’t playing, Arshdeep should become the first-choice. “I just cannot understand how Arshdeep Singh keeps missing out from the XI in this side. I don’t really get it,” he added.
The omission follows India’s 4-wicket defeat to Australia in the match, where analysts noted the bowling attack lacked penetration and balance. Former Australia captain Aaron Finch also weighed in, suggesting that too many batters and not enough frontline pace bowlers had harmed Team India’s strategy.
Arshdeep Singh, who has been among India’s most effective T20 bowlers in recent years, now faces renewed questions about his role in the side. The episode has sparked a wider conversation about transparency, planning and the criteria behind India’s bowling selections in major matches.
