Pacer Arshdeep Singh reflected on India’s eight-wicket victory against Ireland in their T20 World Cup opener, highlighting the challenges of controlling the ball on a drop-in pitch under cloudy conditions. Despite the comfortable win at Nassau County Stadium, where India dismissed Ireland for 96 in 16 overs and chased down the target in 12.2 overs, Arshdeep admitted that managing the swing was particularly difficult. He credited teammate Jasprit Bumrah’s advice for helping him navigate these tricky conditions.
“I tried my best to pitch the ball on the scrambled seam, but the swing was so pronounced that it was difficult to control it,” Arshdeep Singh explained. “I bowled quite a few wides, but I also managed to take key wickets of Andy Balbirnie and Paul Stirling in the third over.”
Arshdeep Singh highlighted the importance of Bumrah’s mentorship in maintaining composure and focus.
“Jassi bhai, with his wealth of experience, always tells us not to chase wickets. Keep it simple, bowl in the right areas, and the results will follow. Whether it’s stopping the flow of runs or taking wickets, it’s all about staying patient and disciplined,” Arshdeep said during the post-match press conference.
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The left-arm pacer emphasized the strategy of not getting greedy and sticking to basics, especially under challenging conditions. “It was cloudy, and the ball was swinging. Our plan was to exploit these conditions by bowling in the right areas. If Ireland took risks, it would increase our chances of taking wickets. We aimed straight for the wickets, looking for LBWs, clean bowled, and caught-behind opportunities. If the batsmen tried big slogs or came down the wicket, we stayed consistent with our bowling plan,” he elaborated.
The pitch at Nassau County Stadium became a focal point of discussion due to the low scores. However, Arshdeep Sing stressed the importance of focusing on the process rather than the scoreboard.
“As bowlers, we back ourselves to defend any total. The key is to follow the process and not get too caught up with the scoreboard. Coming from the IPL, where 240 is often a par score, our main focus is on what we can control. The pitch is the same for both teams, and the team that applies itself better and bowls better lengths will get better results,” he noted.
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Addressing concerns about potential injuries and the cautious approach in the outfield, Arshdeep Singh dismissed any such strategies.
“There were no discussions about not going all out in the outfield to avoid injuries. When we’re in the middle of a match, we don’t think about the conditions in that way. If there’s a catch to be taken, we commit fully and put our bodies on the line. Our effort is to prepare as much as possible, and that preparation brings success,” he asserted.
Looking ahead to India’s next match against Pakistan on Sunday, Arshdeep Singh indicated that the team’s approach would remain consistent.
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“Our approach doesn’t change regardless of the opponent. We will follow the same process, maintain our lengths, and focus on our performance. Planning involves understanding which batsman plays well in specific positions, but fundamentally, it’s about how well we can perform and give our best,” he concluded.
Arshdeep Singh’s insights underscore the disciplined approach and mental fortitude required to excel in international cricket. His ability to adapt to challenging conditions and learn from seasoned players like Bumrah highlights the collective strength and strategic depth of the Indian team as they progress through the T20 World Cup.
