- By Vishal Pushkar
- Sun, 17 Dec 2023 09:17 PM (IST)
- Source:PTI
In a one-sided clash against South Africa on Sunday, Arshdeep Singh, the promising Indian pacer, showcased his resilience by securing his maiden five-wicket haul in the ODI format. Having entered his fourth career ODI without a wicket to his name, Arshdeep turned the tables, claiming impressive figures of 5/37 as the Proteas were bowled out for a paltry 116.
Despite feeling the weight of expectations coming into the match, Arshdeep rose to the occasion, delivering a performance that will be etched in his memory for a lifetime. The 24-year-old pacer, previously without a wicket in his international ODI career, seized the opportunity to make a significant impact on the game.
"I was under a bit of pressure because I never took any wicket in ODIs before. Was happy to get a fifth (five-wicket haul). The wicket had purchase early on and the plan was to get some LBWs and bowled," the left-arm seamer told the broadcasters during the innings break.
Later, while collecting the 'Player of the Match' award, Arshdeep thanked his skipper KL Rahul for egging him on to go for the fifth wicket.
"I feel a little sore (now) but loving this moment. Thank God and the team management. It is a little different than the normal grounds as I was running out of breath. I would thank KL Rahul bhai as he said you have to come back and get that fifer. I guess it is about enjoying this moment," the youngster said.
He had bowled one-change in the recent T20I series and here he looked lethal with the new ball.
The Punjab lad said that his success and that of the team was all about adaptability.
"Personally it feels good, I am enjoying my role. Our team's main motto is adaptability. Whether I open or bowl first-change, I'm happy representing my country. It was quite hot as well. I was playing a 50-over game after a year. But it all paid off, and after my five-for, I feel very fresh," he had said at the break.
The team think-tank was sure that there will be turn on offer as the surface looked rough but, to their delight, India got to bowl when there was maximum moisture beneath the surface.
Inputs from PTI
