Arshdeep Singh is getting ready for a crucial juncture in his T20I journey, which will reach its climax on Wednesday at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru with the third encounter against Afghanistan.
In summary, Arshdeep Singh reflected on the past 12 months as a mixture of experiences. Currently, his main focus is on the IPL 2024. Additionally, he will be participating in the third T20I against Afghanistan in Bengaluru. Arshdeep acknowledged the challenges he faced while playing for the Indian men’s cricket team during this period. He emphasized the importance of his recent experience in bowling with the new ball, which he believes will contribute to his success in his upcoming test of skills. Notably, he had a commendable performance against Australia, taking four wickets in as many matches, although he also conceded a significant number of runs. On the other hand, his performances against South Africa and Afghanistan were comparatively better, with four wickets in four matches and a more acceptable overall economy rate of eight.
Arshdeep expressed during the pre-match press conference on Tuesday that the past year has been a combination of positive and negative experiences. Within this timeframe, he encountered a few commendable performances and acquired fresh knowledge. However, he also faced some challenges and setbacks, resulting in his overall performances being neither particularly positive nor negative.
Arshdeep emphasized that his growth as a bowler has been greatly influenced by his opportunity to bowl with the new ball, particularly in the absence of senior players like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj. He mentioned that he has been focusing on experimenting with different techniques, especially when facing left-handed batsmen, and has found success. This has boosted his confidence and he continues to work on honing his skills.
Arshdeep highlighted the importance of having a clearly defined role within the team, stating that it has been instrumental in his development, even during challenging times on the field.
He stated, “When players have a clear understanding of their roles, it enables them to perform well. As a bowler, you know your responsibilities during the start and middle overs. This clarity allows you to deliver strong performances.”
Despite India’s 2-0 series victory, the 24-year-old emphasized that both he and the team are committed to continuous improvement.
“Our team’s mindset is not solely focused on the series scoreline or past matches. Our primary objective is to adapt quickly to the conditions and become familiar with the ground. We are constantly striving to enhance our match skills,” Arshdeep explained.
The Chinnaswamy Stadium presents unique challenges for bowlers due to its flat pitch and short boundaries. However, Arshdeep sees this as an advantage.
“We perceive this as an opportunity rather than a disadvantage. Batsmen often feel pressured to score more boundaries, which puts them under stress. As a bowler, this presents an opportunity to take wickets and make an impact in the game.”
Arshdeep mentioned that he will shift his focus to the World Cup when the time is right. Currently, his attention is directed towards upcoming matches, including the IPL 2024.