Questions have emerged once again over India's playing eleven for the first ODI against New Zealand in Vadodara, especially considering the absence of Arshdeep Singh. As the team announcement revealed his exclusion, fans took to social media to express their disapproval. Instead of Arshdeep, the fast-bowling responsibilities were given to Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna.
Arshdeep was overlooked in favor of Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna, the latter joining Mohammed Siraj in leading India's pace attack. Siraj returned to ODI cricket after a gap since the Australia series last year. Following India's decision to bowl first upon winning the toss, the absence of Arshdeep became a major talking point.
Despite Superior Performance, Arshdeep is Left Out
The main reason behind the backlash is Arshdeep's recent performances. He played in all three ODIs against South Africa before the New Zealand series and proved to be India’s most economical and reliable pacer, taking five wickets with an economy of 5.50. In contrast, Harshit Rana took four wickets with an economy of 6.39, and Prasidh Krishna took seven with a more expensive 7.80 economy rate.
Arshdeep’s strong domestic form also works in his favor. Before the New Zealand series, he took five wickets against Sikkim in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, showcasing his sustained rhythm and control in the 50-over format.
Source: aajtak
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Fans Accuse of Bias
Fans labeled the decision as 'open bias,' a phrase increasingly associated with India's ODI team selection. Coach Gautam Gambhir is also facing heavy criticism. Social media is questioning the preference for Harshit Rana over Arshdeep. Critics argue that while Rana provides a lower-order batting option, Arshdeep’s statistics and consistency make him a stronger candidate, particularly in conditions where discipline with the new ball is paramount.
Despite being a trusted white-ball pacer for India in recent years, Arshdeep's role in the ODI team remains unclear. As debates around Gautam Gambhir's selection policies escalate, uncertainty grows over Arshdeep's future. With preparations for the 2027 World Cup underway, Arshdeep's position in India’s white-ball plans is still uncertain.
India's Playing 11 in Vadodara ODI:
Shubman Gill (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, and Mohammed Siraj.
New Zealand's Playing 11 in Vadodara ODI:
Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Hay (Wicketkeeper), Michael Bracewell (Captain), Jeckari Falk, Kristian Clarke, Kyle Jamieson, and Aditya Ashok.
