Overview
- Ashwin said on his YouTube show that Arshdeep should be India’s second-choice pacer when Jasprit Bumrah plays and the top fast bowler when he does not.
- He criticized the repeated omission of Arshdeep under the Gautam Gambhir-led management, saying bench time has left the left-armer looking rusty.
- Arshdeep is India’s leading T20I wicket-taker and the first Indian to reach 100 wickets in the format, a record Ashwin cited to support his case.
- The comments followed India’s four-wicket defeat to Australia at the MCG, where India were bowled out for 125 after the Canberra opener was washed out.
- Selection scrutiny intensified as Harshit Rana was picked ahead of Shivam Dube, scored 35 at No. 7, and went wicketless for 27 in two overs, with the next T20I set for Hobart.