Veteran India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who recently announced his retirement, has voiced strong support for Arshdeep Singh, urging Gautam Gambhir and the Indian team management to give the young pacer the opportunities he rightfully deserves in T20Is. Ashwin made it clear that his comments weren’t aimed at Harshit Rana, who replaced Arshdeep in the ongoing T20I series against Australia, but rather about how the left-arm pacer from Punjab — arguably India’s best after Jasprit Bumrah — has been unfairly confined to the bench, risking his rhythm and confidence.

Ashwin’s remarks came after India’s dismal performance in the second T20I against Australia, where the visitors were bowled out for just 125 runs. Despite the bowlers’ valiant effort in picking up six wickets, the hosts comfortably chased down the target in under 14 overs to take a 1-0 series lead, with the opening match being washed out.

During the game, Harshit Rana was surprisingly promoted to No. 7, ahead of the more experienced Shivam Dube, and scored a modest 35 off 33 balls. With the ball, he went wicketless in his two overs, conceding 27 runs. While Ravichandran Ashwin acknowledged Rana’s efforts, he emphasised that the issue runs deeper — concerning team balance and the neglect of proven match-winners like Arshdeep.

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“If Bumrah is playing, Arshdeep Singh’s name should be the second on your fast-bowling list. If Bumrah isn’t, Arshdeep should be the first,” Ravichandran Ashwin said on his Ash Ki Baat show. “I don’t understand how Arshdeep keeps missing out. The kind of performance he gave in the 2024 T20 World Cup, he shouldn’t be sitting out so often. Constant benching has affected his rhythm.”

Under Gambhir’s coaching philosophy, India has leaned toward adding batting depth over specialist bowlers — a strategy that has now spread across formats. While players like Rana have benefitted from this approach, consistent wicket-takers such as Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav have found themselves sidelined.

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Adding to Arshdeep’s misfortune is Hardik Pandya’s injury, which has pushed the management to prioritize all-rounders over strike bowlers. However, Ravichandran Ashwin warned that prolonged non-selection could harm Arshdeep’s form.

“We saw in the Asia Cup that he bowled well but looked rusty — that happens when you don’t play enough games,” Ashwin concluded. “He’s a champion bowler and deserves to be on the field, not the bench. Please, play him.”

The third T20I between India and Australia is scheduled for Sunday, November 2.