Arshdeep Singh banks on new-ball experience to ace T20 test

NEW DELHI: Arshdeep Singh is gearing up for a crucial moment in his T20I journey as it culminates at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru during the third match against Afghanistan on Wednesday. Drawing from his recent experience of bowling with the new ball, the left-arm pacer aims to excel in the latest test of his skills.
In the previous encounters, Arshdeep faced challenges against Australia, taking four wickets in as many matches but conceding 41, 46, 44, and 40 runs in each game.However, he displayed improvement against South Africa and Afghanistan, securing four wickets across four matches with a more acceptable overall economy of eight.
Analysing his performances from January 5, 2023, to January 14, 2024, Arshdeep acknowledged the mixed nature of his journey, with his economy fluctuating between 7.5 and above 10. As he heads into the third match against Afghanistan, Arshdeep looks to build on the positives and contribute to the team’s success.
“The last 12 months have been a mixed bag (of experience). There were a few good performances and I got to learn something new. There were a few ups and downs as well, making my performances neutral,” Arshdeep said during the pre-match press meet in Bengaluru on Tuesday.
‘I am trying to sharpen my skills’
Arshdeep emphasised that the experience of bowling with the new ball, especially in the absence of senior pros like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj, has been instrumental in his development as a bowler.
“Specifically, I recently started (bowling) with a new ball, especially on slow wickets. In the last match, I tried a few variations, especially against left-handers, and it worked and it gave me some confidence. Otherwise, I am trying to sharpen my skills,” he added.
Arshdeep highlighted the significance of role clarity within the team, expressing that it has been a crucial factor in his development as a player. Even during periods when he faced challenges with the ball, having a clear understanding of his role within the team framework has allowed him to continue gaining valuable experience.
“Players’ roles are defined. As a bowler, you know, you have to bowl at the start and middle overs. When there is clarity, you come up with good performances,” he added.
Despite India securing the series with a 2-0 lead, the 24-year-old emphasised that he and the team remain committed to continuous improvement.
“Mindset as a team doesn’t work on what the series scoreline and what happened in the last matches. The main motive is to get used to the ground, adapt quickly. We can look at improving and developing match skills,” said Arshdeep.
Arshdeep views the Chinnaswamy Stadium, known for its flat pitch and short boundaries, not as a challenge but as an advantage. Despite the venue’s reputation for testing a bowler’s skills and endurance, he seems to see an opportunity in these conditions.
“We feel there is nothing to lose here. Batsmen are under pressure because of the feeling that they have to score more boundaries and that is where as a bowler you are in the game. You can get more wickets.”
Arshdeep emphasised that his current focus is primarily on upcoming matches, including the IPL 2024, and that he will shift his attention to the T20 World Cup when the time arrives.
(With PTI inputs)