The former Indian spin all-rounder, Ravichandran Ashwin, has been incredibly angry at the exclusion of the left-arm pacer, Arshdeep Singh, ahead of their clash against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. He reckoned that the Punjab-born had lost his place to Shivam Dube because the former couldn’t bat. 

Arshdeep Singh is India’s leading wicket-taker in the shortest format with 99 scalps in 63 innings at an average of 18.30 and an economy rate of 8.29, thanks to the fine bowling figure of 4/9 in an inning. Ashwin explained that just because of batting, the star bowler shouldn’t be ignored.

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“Arshdeep has to come into the playing XI. In my view, if you can lock Shubman Gill as opener, Suryakumar Yadav at No. 4, and Jasprit Bumrah at No. 11, then why can't someone who has been your best T20 bowler be locked? These rules for batters and bowlers have always been an issue in my head.” Ashwin expressed on his YouTube Channel.  

Ravichandran Ashwin furious at Arshdeep Singh’s exclusion ahead of India vs Pakistan clash

The left-arm Indian pacer collected 21 wickets in 16 innings at an economy rate of just under nine at an average of 24.66 during the 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the Punjab Kings. Ashwin claimed that the management should look to respect their bowling community.

“These decisions about bowlers are sometimes taken by batters. These batters have never bowled a ball in their entire life. Bowlers are doing that forever. It is hard for the batters to understand the mindset of the bowlers. Think about the confidence in the bowlers. He is not going to get these wonderful years back.” Ashwin shed light during the same discussion.

“Why are you writing his destiny, just because he can't bat? I want to say this to the bowling community. If we don't have pride within our community, then no one would take us seriously. If we are made to sit out, then we should be angry.” The Tamil Nadu-born veteran spinner concluded.