3 players who can replace Arshdeep Singh for IND vs WI T20Is and the New Zealand tour

Arshdeep Singh's injury has raised concerns about India's bowling options for the upcoming matches. If he is ruled out of the fifth T20I against West Indies or the New Zealand tour, the team management may need to find a suitable replacement. However, India are yet to share an official update on his fitness, and his availability will depend on the medical assessment.

India have several fast bowlers who could get a chance if Arshdeep is unavailable. Players such as Harshit Rana, Mukesh Kumar and Khaleel Ahmed could be considered, depending on their availability, current form and the team's requirements. Each bowler offers different skills that could help India strengthen their pace attack.

The final decision will depend on Arshdeep's recovery and the team's plans for the upcoming series. With important matches ahead, India will want their fast bowlers to be fully fit and ready to perform. If Arshdeep needs more time to recover, the selectors may consider one of these options to fill his place.

Throughout this article, we will share complete details about the three players who could replace Arshdeep Singh for the IND vs WI T20Is and the New Zealand tour.

3. Yash Thakur

Yash Thakur is the third player who could replace Arshdeep Singh for the IND vs WI T20Is and the New Zealand tour. He is an Indian fast bowler who plays domestic cricket for Vidarbha and represents Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He made his List A debut in the 2016–17 Vijay Hazare Trophy before making his first-class debut in the 2018–19 Ranji Trophy and his T20 debut in the 2018–19 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

Thakur made his IPL debut for Lucknow Super Giants against Chennai Super Kings on April 3, 2023. He impressed in IPL 2024 by taking five wickets for 30 runs against Gujarat Titans, becoming the first bowler to take a five-wicket haul that season. Across 22 IPL matches, he has taken 27 wickets, with his best figures of 5/30. His ability to take wickets at important moments could make him a useful option for India’s pace attack.

Thakur has also been in good form in the recent India A series against Australia A in Puducherry. He took 3/47 in the match on October 6, followed by 2/46 on October 9 and 2/35 on October 11, 2026. These performances show that he has been taking wickets consistently in List A cricket. If the Indian selectors look for a replacement for Arshdeep Singh, Thakur could be considered for the upcoming T20Is against the West Indies and the tour of New Zealand.

2. Mohammed Siraj

Mohammed Siraj could be another option to replace Arshdeep Singh for the IND vs WI T20Is and the New Zealand tour. He is a right-arm fast bowler known for his pace, swing and ability to bowl effective bouncers. Siraj first made headlines with his performances in domestic cricket, taking 41 wickets in nine matches during his second Ranji Trophy season. His performances earned him opportunities with the Rest of India and India A before he moved to the international stage.

Siraj has also gained valuable experience playing for India across formats. In T20 internationals, he has taken 17 wickets in 17 matches, with his best bowling figures of 4/17. He can generate pace and movement with the new ball and has the ability to trouble batters with short deliveries. His international experience and wicket-taking ability could make him a strong option if the selectors decide to bring in a replacement for Arshdeep Singh.

Siraj has continued to play competitive cricket in recent months. He took one wicket against the West Indies in the ODI match on October 3, 2026, in New Chandigarh. Before that, he also played Test matches against Sri Lanka in August and featured for Hyderabad in the Ranji Trophy match against Tripura on October 11, taking two wickets in the second innings. His experience at the international level could work in his favour if India needs an experienced fast bowler for the upcoming T20Is against the West Indies and the tour of New Zealand.

3. Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Bhuvneshwar Kumar could be a strong option to replace Arshdeep Singh for the upcoming T20Is against the West Indies and the tour of New Zealand. The veteran fast bowler has earned a place in India's squad for the away T20I series against New Zealand, marking his return to the national team after four years. His experience and ability to swing the ball could make him a valuable addition to India's pace attack.

Over the last three years, Bhuvneshwar has mainly focused on the IPL and domestic T20 cricket. His training at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) has been planned to help him maintain his fitness and prepare for the demands of an overseas tour. The programme focuses on building the fitness needed to handle long flights, regular travel and the demands of international cricket.

Bhuvneshwar's return to the Indian T20I squad follows his impressive performances in the IPL. He won consecutive IPL titles with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in 2025 and 2026. In the 2026 season, he took 28 wickets at an economy rate of 7.95. Interestingly, his last appearance for India also came in an away T20I against New Zealand on November 22, 2022. His selection for the upcoming series comes as Jasprit Bumrah has been rested to manage his workload across formats. Bhuvneshwar's experience and recent form could make him a useful option if India need a replacement for Arshdeep Singh.