Why Is India Ignoring Arshdeep Singh? A Risky Move That Could Backfire in the Champions Trophy

Byadmin

The Men in Blue have already sealed the three-match ODI series against England with a 2-0 lead, yet the biggest selection blunder of the series remains India’s refusal to play Arshdeep Singh. While the team has opted to test Harshit Rana and Mohammed Shami in the first two ODIs, Arshdeep—who was chosen over the more experienced Mohammed Siraj—has yet to bowl a single delivery in this series.

With Dubai conditions likely to favor pacers over spinners in the ICC Champions Trophy, keeping Arshdeep Singh on the bench is a questionable move that could backfire spectacularly for India in their bid to reclaim an ICC title. Here’s why India not playing Arshdeep Singh is a mistake that could haunt them.

1️. Arshdeep Was Picked Over Siraj – So Why Isn’t He Playing?

Let’s address the elephant in the room—Arshdeep Singh was chosen over Mohammed Siraj for the England series and India’s Champions Trophy squad.

🚨 Fact Check:

  • Siraj played a key role in India’s ODI World Cup 2023 campaign, taking 71 wickets in 44 ODIs so far.
  • Despite his experience, he was left out of the squad, with the selectors backing Arshdeep Singh instead.
  • If Jasprit Bumrah fails to recover in time, Arshdeep will be India’s go-to pacer in Dubai.

So why has India kept him benched in the first two ODIs? If the selectors believed he was a better choice than Siraj, shouldn’t he be given maximum game time before the Champions Trophy?

🔎 What’s at stake? If Arshdeep walks into the Champions Trophy squad with little match practice, India will end up relying on an underprepared bowler in a high-pressure ICC event.

2️. Mohammed Shami Hasn’t Been at His Best

India’s decision to play Mohammed Shami in both ODIs so far is understandable—he is a proven match-winner and returning from an injury layoff. But let’s face it—Shami hasn’t looked his sharpest.

📉 Mohammed Shami’s Performance in the First Two ODIs vs England:

  • 1st ODI: 8 overs, 38 runs, 1 wicket
  • 2nd ODI: 7.5 overs, 66 runs, 1 wicket (Economy: 8.4)

With Shami still searching for his rhythm, India could have used Arshdeep to ease the pressure on him instead of relying on Harshit Rana, who is also new to international cricket.

🗣️ Why This is a Problem:

  • Playing Shami with another young pacer (Harshit Rana) puts extra workload on him.
  • Arshdeep, a left-arm pacer, would have added variety and supported Shami better than Rana.
  • If Shami struggles with form or fitness during the Champions Trophy, India will regret not testing Arshdeep enough.

Reality Check: If India’s pace attack is looking shaky against England, what will happen against New Zealand, Pakistan, or Australia in Dubai?

3️. Taking an Underprepared Arshdeep to the Champions Trophy is a Huge Gamble

Arshdeep Singh has played only 8 ODIs in his career so far. Zero games in this series means he will enter the Champions Trophy with little match practice.

⚠️ Why This is a Massive Risk:

  • If Bumrah is ruled out, Arshdeep might have to lead India’s pace attack in a high-pressure ICC event.
  • Lack of game time means he could struggle to adapt to match intensity and pressure.
  • His limited ODI experience (8 matches) makes him vulnerable if thrown straight into a must-win game.

❌ Worst-Case Scenario: India rushes Arshdeep into the Champions Trophy XI, he fails to perform due to lack of match time, and suddenly India’s bowling attack collapses in a crucial knockout match.

✅ Best-Case Scenario (If India Had Played Arshdeep Earlier):

  • He gets more exposure to international ODIs.
  • He builds confidence and rhythm ahead of the Champions Trophy.
  • India enters the tournament with a well-prepared, match-ready pace attack.

🔎 So, what was the harm in playing him in the first two ODIs?

Is India Relying Too Much on Spin for Dubai Conditions?

With Dubai pitches expected to favor pacers over spinners, India’s Champions Trophy squad selection indicates a heavy reliance on spinners, with Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Washington Sundar all included.

🚨 Potential Problem:

  • If spin-friendly conditions don’t materialize, India will need a strong pace attack.
  • With Bumrah’s fitness still uncertain, why is Arshdeep not being given enough match time?
  • If India’s plan is to trust spin in Dubai, what happens if the pitches don’t assist spinners?

What’s the Plan, Team India? Playing Arshdeep in this series would have given clarity on his role—but instead, India might be heading into the Champions Trophy with too many unanswered questions.

Will India Regret Not Playing Arshdeep?

India’s reluctance to play Arshdeep Singh in this series is not just a questionable decision—it’s a high-risk gamble that could backfire in the Champions Trophy.

🔥 Three Key Takeaways:

  • If Arshdeep was picked over Siraj, why hasn’t he played a single game?
  • Shami is still finding his form—Arshdeep should have played to share the workload.
  • Taking an underprepared Arshdeep to Dubai is a huge gamble if Bumrah is unavailable.

🚀 The Big Question: Can India afford to ignore Arshdeep in the final ODI against England, or is it already too late?

Let us know your thoughts! 🏏🔥

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