India pacer Arshdeep Singh delivered an impressive performance in the first ODI against New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland on Wednesday, November 4. The left-arm fast bowler claimed four wickets for 70 runs in his 10 overs, helping India restrict the hosts to a modest total. However, it was his new wicket celebration that grabbed additional attention on social media.
Arshdeep dismissed Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Kyle Jamieson and Glenn Phillips during the innings before unveiling a different celebration. The gesture quickly became a talking point among fans, prompting the Indian pacer to explain its meaning during the mid-innings interaction. Arshdeep revealed that the celebration was dedicated to his girlfriend, explaining that it was inspired by a dance step they often perform together to lift each other’s spirits.
“That’s for my girlfriend. We do these dance steps when we’re out walking or something like that. Whenever the mood is a little low, we cheer each other up with that celebration. So this was for her,” Arshdeep Singh said.
ALSO READ: Ajinkya Rahane Picks All-Time Underrated XI Featuring Suresh Raina, Graeme Smith and Shane Bond
His four-wicket performance at Eden Park also placed him among a select group of Indian fast bowlers to achieve the feat in an ODI match in New Zealand. When asked about his favourite dismissal from the four wickets, Arshdeep jokingly suggested that he was more interested in the one that got away. “Favourite one would have been the fifth one, which I didn’t get. So I’m still searching for one,” he said.
Arshdeep gets Jamieson, and adds another celebration to his ever-growing collection! 😂
Watch the HERO VIDA India Tour of New Zealand 1st ODI, LIVE NOW on Sony Sports Network TV channels, Sony LIV & Sony Vizha.
#SonySportsNetwork #SonyLIV #SonyVizha #NZvIND https://t.co/GvQa8ukMcm
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) November 4, 2026
Arshdeep came close to creating history, as only one Indian bowler had previously registered an ODI five-wicket haul in New Zealand. One more dismissal would have made him the first Indian pacer to achieve the milestone on New Zealand soil.
The Indian fast bowler also spoke about enjoying the conditions in Auckland, particularly the assistance available for seam bowlers. He credited the surface and the wind for helping the Indian attack generate movement.
WATCH – Virat Kohli’s Stunning Cover Drive In Auckland Named ‘Shot of the Day’
“Loving the weather here and there is good purchase off the surface. After coming from the subcontinent, when you get some life in the wickets, it’s always a pleasure to bowl here. And yeah, the wind is helping as well,” Arshdeep Singh explained. He further revealed that India’s bowling strategy revolved around hitting the seam hard and making the most of the assistance on offer. “I felt like there was something in the wicket, so we were just trying to hit the seam hard and try to get purchase off the surface. And they were trying some shots of that length, so we got the wickets,” he added.
