Is Arshdeep Singh’s World Cup 2026 Spot in Danger?
Is Arshdeep Singh’s World Cup 2026 Spot in Danger?: The ongoing T20 series between India and Australia has raised many questions, the biggest of which is the omission of India’s star left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh from the playing XI. Arshdeep, India’s leading wicket-taker (101) in T20 Internationals, has been consistently benched. Young Harshit Rana has been given the opportunity in his place.
This decision comes with the T20 World Cup looming next year (2026). While the team management should identify its core team and provide them with adequate match practice, the exclusion of an experienced and successful bowler like Arshdeep Singh is beyond the understanding of fans and former cricketers.
Performance or strategy: What is the real reason behind Arshdeep Singh’s exclusion?
Arshdeep Singh’s exclusion isn’t just a one-match decision, but points to a larger strategy by the team management.
1. Harshit Rana’s recent performance
There’s no doubt that Harshit Rana is a talented bowler and made his mark by taking four wickets in the third ODI. The team management is likely preparing him for the future and wants to test his mental strength by giving him opportunities in important matches.
2. Arshdeep’s death-over performance
Although Arshdeep is India’s top wicket-taker, his death-over bowling (16-20 overs) has fluctuated recently. He has proven expensive on crucial occasions, which may have forced the selectors to consider an alternative option (Harshit Rana).
3. Team balance
Sometimes a team needs a specific type of bowler or all-rounder. If the playing XI already includes three specialist fast bowlers, the team may want to consider a fourth bowler who can also contribute with the bat, or whose recent form has been better than Arshdeep’s.
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Arshdeep’s future in the T20 World Cup 2026 playing XI
The biggest question now is about Arshdeep’s role in the T20 World Cup 2026. If he is consistently left out of the opening matches of a series, it’s a clear indication that he’s no longer the team’s “first choice.” Here are his potential roles and their implications:
1. Backup Bowler
If the team consistently benches him, it would simply mean he’s now the second-choice bowler behind Jasprit Bumrah or another experienced fast bowler (like Mohammed Siraj). He’ll only get a chance when the main bowler is unavailable or rested.
2. Out of Team
If he doesn’t get a chance in the upcoming IPL and other bilateral series, his chances of making the World Cup squad could be slim. The team could move towards new and consistently performing options, which could lead to Arshdeep being dropped altogether.
3. Specialist Death Overs Bowler
The team may consider using him as a specialist death overs bowler only in specific situations or venues (such as Australia’s large grounds). In this role, he would be used to take wickets or restrict runs in the final overs of the match, even if he is not part of the playing XI for every match.
Arshdeep will have to wait
At present, it appears that the team management is pursuing a policy of giving opportunities to young players and creating alternatives. Arshdeep Singh will likely have to impress the selectors once again with his performance in domestic cricket or the next IPL to regain his place.
Even if Arshdeep is included in the World Cup squad, it is highly likely that he will travel as a backup bowler rather than in the main playing XI. This also reflects the level of competition in Indian cricket, where even a small fluctuation in form can get you out of the playing 11.
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