- By Namrata Vijay
- Fri, 16 Jan 2026 05:14 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
IND vs NZ 2nd ODI: Ravichandran Ashwin didn't hold back when he talked about pacer Arshdeep Singh being ignored for the first two ODIs against New Zealand. Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, and Prasidh Krishna were the preferred fast bowlers for these matches, and Ashwin had revealed that giving Arshdeep rest for this series is only going to make things worse for him. He had revealed on his YouTube channel that Arshdeep will look out of touch when he plays in this format next.
“He has performed every time you have given him the ball. Give him the place he deserves. Allow him to walk into the eleven with his head held high. He deserves it, boss. Now, what is the use of his playing the third ODI? Why did he not play the first two ODIs? What will that do to his confidence?” Ashwin was quoted as saying on his YouTube channel.
‘Been in this situation myself.’
Ashwin slammed the team management and said Why is it always the bowlers who? “I am talking from a cricketer’s perspective. Who is going to stand in Arshdeep Singh’s shoes and think? It's now about how many he played under Rahul (Dravid), and it's how much he is playing now and what must be going on in his head right now. He is someone who has done a lot for the team.
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“The next time he plays, he will be rusty. Whatever you say, cricket is a game of confidence. Why does this keep happening with bowlers? It never happens with batsmen. I have been in this situation myself, and so I know it is quite unfair. And that is why I always fight for Arshdeep,” added.
Rana and Prasidh had a forgetful outing in the series opener as they were bowling at an economy rate of 6.50 and 6.66. And then in the second match, both these bowlers did take a wicket and bowled at an economy of 5.47 and 5.44. Arshdeep had played in six ODIs last year, where he had taken 10 wickets at an economy rate of 5.58. He has taken 22 wickets after playing in 14 ODI matches.
The host won the first match by 4 wickets and then lost the second match. The third match will be held on Sunday.