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IND vs AUS T20 Series 2025 : Former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has slammed the team management for benching Arshdeep Singh once again in the second T20I against Australia. Left-arm fast bowler Arshdeep was again ignored and Harshit Rana was given a place in the squad. In this match, India’s innings was bowled out for 125 runs and Australia reached the target in just 13.2 overs and easily won by 4 wickets.
The decision to give an extra batsman a chance in the T20 series meant that Arshdeep was not included in the playing XI, and Harshit Rana was a frequent presence in the squad. On this R. Ashwin has expressed his displeasure. He clearly said that Arshdeep should be with Jasprit Bumrah.
“How fair is it to keep Arshdeep out in Melbourne?” asked a journalist on Ashwin’s YouTube show ‘Aish Ki Baat’. Ashwin said, “I am tired of answering this question. When you talk about Arshdeep, the question is who can he replace. He can only replace Harshit Rana. But the real issue is, did we play with an extra spinner? On a pitch that showed bounce and pace, an extra pacer should have been played.”
Ashwin added, “My point is that if Jasprit Bumrah is playing, Arshdeep should be the second main fast bowler. I don’t understand at all how Arshdeep is staying out of the playing 11. It’s really confusing.”
Ashwin clarified that this criticism is not for Harshit Rana, but only for Arshdeep. “Harshit Rana contributed well with the batting today, but this discussion is not about him, it is about Arshdeep. He did well in the T20 World Cup 2024, but after that he was kept out. It spoiled his rhythm,” he said.
Ashwin concluded, “We saw in the Asia Cup that Arshdeep bowled well, but any champion bowler loses his form if he is not played consistently. Arshdeep is in a difficult situation right now and I think he should get his rightful, regular place in the team soon. Please give him a chance.”
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