Published: Jan 16, 2024, 11:24 PM (IST)
Edited: Jan 16, 2024, 11:47 PM (IST)
Arshdeep Singh’s turbulent T20I journey will come to a conclusion on Wednesday at the Chinnaswamy Stadium during the third game against Afghanistan. He is counting on his recent expertise bowling with new balls to win this most recent test of his abilities. Against the Australians last year, Arshdeep claimed four wickets in as many games; yet, in those same games, he let up 41, 46, 44, and 40 runs in four overs. However, the left-arm pacer’s performances against Afghanistan and South Africa were comparatively better, taking four wickets in four games at a respectable economy of eight.
With an economy that fluctuated between 7.5 and over 10, such results provided a microcosm of Arshdeep’s efforts from January 5, 2023 to January 14, 2024.
The man from Punjab acknowledged that throughout the aforementioned time, his voyage had challenges.
“The last 12 months have been a mixed bag (of experience). There were a few good performances and I got to learn something new. There were a few ups and downs as well, making my performances neutral,” Arshdeep said during the pre-match press meet on Tuesday.
The pacer said that his growth as a bowler has been aided by his experience bowling with the new ball when more seasoned players like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj were unavailable.
“Specifically, I recently started (bowling) with new ball, especially on slow wickets. In the last match, I tried a few variations, especially against left-handers, and it worked and it gave me some confidence. Otherwise, I am trying to sharpen my skills,” he added.
“Players’ roles are defined. As a bowler, you know, you have to bowl at the start and middle overs. When there is clarity, you come up with good performances”
The 24-year-old stated that he and the squad would keep working to get better even if India has already won the series 2-0.
“Mindset as a team doesn’t work on what the series scoreline and what happened in the last matches. The main motive is to get used to the ground, adapt quickly. We can look at improving and developing match skills,” said Arshdeep.
With its flat pitch and short boundaries, the Chinnaswamy frequently puts a bowler’s abilities and stamina to the test, but Arshdeep perceived it as an advantage.
“We feel there is nothing to lose here. Batsmen are under pressure because of the feeling that they have to score more boundaries and that is where as a bowler you are in the game. You can get more wickets.” Arshdeep also mentioned he will focus on the World Cup only when the moment arrives, as other matches, including the IPL 2024, are dominating his thought process at the moment.
