“Contest between…”- Ravichandran Ashwin questions this player’s absence from IND vs NZ 2nd ODI

The legendary all-rounder of the Indian cricket team, Ravichandran Ashwin, has questioned the management, following the absence of their left-arm pacer, Arshdeep Singh, from the playing XI for the first two ODIs against New Zealand at the VCA Stadium in Vadodara and the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. 

Arshdeep Singh is a part of India’s three-match ODI series against the Blackcaps, but he has been benched in both games of the series. Ashwin, the second leading wicket-taker in history, feels that the think-tank needs to understand what they are doing to the morale of the Punjab pacer.

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“The contest is between the bowlers. For South Africa, you need a hit-the-deck bowler. Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana both need a match experience so that I can understand their thinking. But no one is thinking about Arshdeep Singh, who will stand in his shoes and think? This is not about how much he has played and how much he hasn't played.” Ashwin expressed on his YouTube channel.

Ravichandran Ashwin questions Arshdeep Singh’s absence in IND vs NZ ODIs

Arshdeep is also part of India’s T20I series for five games at home against the Blackcaps and will then feature in the T20 World Cup 2026, which begins on February 07 at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The management is believed to be managing the workload of the fast bowler.

“What must he be thinking right now? He has done so much, yet he is still fighting for his spot. Whenever he plays next, he will be rusty. No matter what you say, this is a game of confidence. Why does this happen to the bowlers at all times? It never happens with the batters.” Ashwin shed light during the interaction.

“I have been in this position, so I know how it is. This is why I am fighting for Arshdeep Singh. Whenever you have given him the ball, he has performed for you. Allow him to walk into the playing XI with his head held high. He deserves this boss.” The former spinner reckoned.