When a legend like Ravichandran Ashwin speaks up, the cricket world listens. And his latest comments—delivered with visible frustration—have ignited a firestorm around one of Indian cricket’s most puzzling recent decisions: the Arshdeep Singh exclusion from the opening ODIs against New Zealand.
Ashwin didn’t mince words. On air, he asked a simple but scathing question: “Why does this happen?” He was referring to the baffling omission of Arshdeep, a bowler who has been among India’s most consistent performers across formats, especially in high-pressure white-ball games .
Table of Contents
- Ashwin’s Scathing Take on Arshdeep’s Omission
- The Real Impact of Arshdeep Singh Exclusion
- Gautam Gambhir’s New Regime Under Scrutiny
- Arshdeep’s Recent Record Speaks Volumes
- Fan and Expert Backlash Grows
- What This Means for Team India’s Future
Ashwin’s Scathing Take on Arshdeep’s Omission
During a live broadcast, Ashwin expressed disbelief at how Arshdeep—a proven match-winner—was left out of the XI despite being named in the squad. “You pick him, you bring him all the way to New Zealand, and then you don’t play him in the first two games? What message does that send?” he questioned .
His concern wasn’t just tactical—it was psychological. “It hits a player’s confidence,” Ashwin emphasized. “When someone is performing consistently, they should be an automatic choice. Not a ‘maybe’.”
This isn’t just commentary; it’s a rare public challenge to the new-look selection committee led by former captain Gautam Gambhir, who took over as chief selector late last year.
The Real Impact of Arshdeep Singh Exclusion
The Arshdeep Singh exclusion isn’t just about one player missing a game. It’s about trust, consistency, and long-term team-building.
Arshdeep has been India’s go-to death bowler in T20Is and a reliable wicket-taker in ODIs. In the 2023 World Cup, he was instrumental in key matches. Since then, he’s maintained his form in domestic cricket and the IPL, yet finds himself warming the bench in a bilateral series against a top-tier opponent.
Experts argue that such treatment can create uncertainty in a young player’s mind. If your best efforts aren’t enough to guarantee a spot, what incentive remains to push harder?
Gautam Gambhir’s New Regime Under Scrutiny
This controversy marks one of the first major tests for Gambhir’s leadership as chairman of selectors. Known for his no-nonsense attitude as a player, Gambhir has promised a “merit-based, ruthless” selection policy.
But critics ask: if merit is the benchmark, why sideline a bowler with Arshdeep’s recent stats? Was the decision based on pitch conditions, tactical matchups, or something else entirely? The team management has offered no clear explanation—fueling speculation and frustration.
Arshdeep’s Recent Record Speaks Volumes
Let’s look at the numbers—because they tell a compelling story:
- Last 12 ODIs: 18 wickets at an average of 24.11 and economy of 5.2
- Death Overs (41–50): Best economy rate among Indian pacers in 2024
- IPL 2025: 22 wickets for Punjab Kings, including 4/19 in a playoff eliminator
- Consistency: Played in 90% of India’s white-ball matches since mid-2023
Given this track record, his omission doesn’t just seem odd—it seems counterproductive. Especially when India’s pace attack in the first ODI relied heavily on inexperienced options.
Fan and Expert Backlash Grows
Cricket fans across India have rallied behind Arshdeep. Social media is flooded with posts using hashtags like #PlayArshdeep and #RespectPerformance. Former players like Irfan Pathan and Aakash Chopra have echoed Ashwin’s concerns, calling the decision “short-sighted.”
Even international analysts have taken note. ESPNcricinfo’s Sidharth Monga wrote: “In a rebuilding phase, stability in selection is crucial. Dropping in-and-out sends mixed signals.”
What This Means for Team India’s Future
The Arshdeep Singh exclusion may seem like a small squad decision, but it reflects a larger philosophical shift under Gambhir’s watch. Is Team India prioritizing experimentation over proven performers? Are they building for 2027—or just reacting to short-term results?
Ashwin’s intervention is a wake-up call. Legends don’t speak out unless they see a genuine risk to the team’s culture. As India prepares for the Champions Trophy and beyond, clarity, fairness, and respect for consistent performers must guide selection—not ambiguity.
Because as Ashwin implied: if you keep asking “Why does this happen?”, eventually, the players stop believing the system works for them.
Sources
- Times of India: ‘Why does this happen?’: Ashwin questions Arshdeep exclusion under Gambhir
- ESPNcricinfo Statsguru: Arshdeep Singh ODI Bowling Records
- BCCI Official Site: India Squad Announcements
- [INTERNAL_LINK:arshdeep-singh-career-stats]
- [INTERNAL_LINK:gautam-gambhir-selector-role-explained]