Arshdeep Singh has never struggled to handle pressure — whether it’s at the death with the ball in hand or in front of the microphones after a match. Known for his sharp left-arm pace and an equally sharp sense of humour, the Indian pacer once again showcased both during a recent post-match media interaction, blending honesty with wit without stepping on any toes.

When asked about the frequent changes in the Indian playing XI since Gautam Gambhir took over as head coach, Arshdeep responded with a trademark light-hearted remark that instantly won smiles.

“Jaise main team se in and out hota hoon uska advantage bhi hai. Mera ball bhi in and out jaata hai,” he said, joking that being in and out of the team has its benefits, much like his ability to move the ball both ways. “So I am enjoying that,” he added, underlining his relaxed mindset despite the uncertainty.

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Behind the humour lies a remarkable record. With 111 wickets in 73 T20 Internationals, Arshdeep remains India’s highest wicket-taker in the shortest format. Yet, since Gambhir assumed charge in July 2024, the 26-year-old has often found himself rotated out due to team combinations. In 2025 alone, he featured in 13 of India’s 21 T20Is and was surprisingly benched for a significant part of the Asia Cup, despite his consistency and proven effectiveness.

Switching to a more serious tone, Arshdeep highlighted the professional approach that has helped him stay grounded. “My job is to stay prepared and perform whenever the team needs me to bowl, whether it’s with the new ball or the old ball,” he said. Emphasising control over controllables, he added that selection decisions do not keep him up at night. For him, enjoying the journey and staying present matter far more than external noise.

Arshdeep also spoke in detail about the challenges of bowling on flat, batter-friendly surfaces, something modern bowlers increasingly face. On such pitches, he admitted, bowlers often feel like they’re just hoping to survive. However, preparation and clarity remain key. Team meetings, he explained, revolve around specific plans tailored to conditions and opposition batters, and execution on match day becomes the real test.

“We need to understand what works on a particular pitch against specific batters,” Arshdeep Singh noted. Even when plans don’t deliver immediate results, he believes adaptability is essential, allowing bowlers to tweak their approach in the next game rather than overreact.

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For Arshdeep, flexibility defines the current Indian setup. Strategies shift based on conditions, opposition, and match situations, and players are expected to be ready at any stage — powerplay, middle overs, or death. That adaptability, he feels, is the team’s core strength.

Ending on a lighter note, Arshdeep revealed that Abhishek Sharma prefers avoiding him in the nets. The pacer doesn’t mind at all, admitting it’s rewarding to see a long-time teammate flourish at the highest level — a reflection of healthy competition and camaraderie within the squad.