Published: Jun 06, 2024, 02:30 PM (IST)
Edited: Jun 06, 2024, 03:18 PM (IST)
New York: Pacer Arshdeep Singh said he only focused on sticking with his plan as controlling the ball on the drop-in pitch in cloudy conditions was a big task for India’s quicks in their eight-wicket win against Ireland, in their T20 World Cup opener.
Though India had an easy outing at the Nassau County International Stadium on Wednesday, dismissing Ireland for 96 in 16 overs and overhauling the target in 12.2 overs, Arshdeep conceded that controlling the swing was an difficult task and he banked on team-mate Jasprit Bumrah’s advice to overcome the issue.
“I made every effort to pitch the ball on the scrambled seam but the ball was swinging so much that it was hard to get it on the scrambled seam. Yes, there were a lot of wides from me,” conceded the left-armer.
“Jassi bhai (Bumrah), with his loads of experience, keeps telling us not to go after wicket. Just keep it simple, keep bowling in the right areas and whatever result comes it’s good whether you are able to stop the flow of runs or get wickets,” said Arshdeep during the post-match press conference.
“The plan was to keep it simple and aim straight for the wicket to get more LBWs, clean bowled and caught-behind decisions, keep all the options open. And, if they go for a big slog or try going down the wicket, then it’s okay, but yeah we will keep bowling the same way.”
With the pitch at the Nassau County International Stadium becoming a hot topic of discussion among the experts because of below-par scores, Arshdeep said for a bowler like him, he would rather focus on his process rather than look at the scoreboard.
“I guess, as bowlers, we back ourselves to defend anything and we make every effort to ensure whatever be the score that is our par score. (We) follow the process and not look too much at the scoreboard.”
The pacer said the team would approach the match against Pakistan in New York on Sunday in the same manner.
“It’s the same. Any team that is in front of you nothing changes. Our process remains the same, length will remain the same. As far as planing goes, we have to see what batter plays well in which position. It dosen’t matter what team is playing against you, we only think how best we can perform and give our best,” he said.
