Every World Cup cycle creates its own subplot, but India’s build-up to this T20 edition has a particularly intriguing one: What do you do with a bowler who barely plays, yet performs every time he does? Arshdeep Singh’s case has become a quiet puzzle in India’s prep. Three T20Is since the England series. One outing in Hobart. A Player of the Match performance. And then… back to the rotation carousel.
In a sport where rhythm is currency, Arshdeep has been living on limited-overs credit. Yet the numbers keep rescuing him: India’s highest PowerPlay wicket-taker since 2022, a left-arm option no contender can replicate, and one of the few Indian quicks with a proven new-ball swing profile in overseas conditions.
So what’s at risk? Time. With the World Cup less than 100 days away and combinations being India’s favourite buzzword, the question becomes simple: Is rotation sharpening the squad or slowing a specialist?
Selection Math Meets Match Reality
Morne Morkel’s honesty cut straight through the usual clichés: India are not benching Arshdeep; they’re benchmarking him. The coaching group wants to stress-test their pool, observe how fringe quicks handle pressure, and eventually choose the most adaptable pack. On paper, it’s logical. In practice, benching your best PowerPlay wicket-taker tests nerves, especially his.
Arshdeep, though, has shown maturity. He knows where he stands in the hierarchy and why the rotation exists. This, more than anything, has kept him a lock-in despite fewer appearances: performance plus temperament equals retention.
Controlled Chaos Before the Tournament
With limited fixtures left, India isn’t just looking for skill; they’re looking for response patterns. Who swings it under scoreboard pressure? Who hits yorkers after being hit? Who bowls second spells when dew ruins plans? This trial-by-scenario method keeps the coaches informed and the players uncomfortable, exactly the point.
Morkel put it bluntly: unknowns in a World Cup are deadly. You find answers now, or you regret later.
Why Modern T20 Needs Multi-Role Cricketers
Morkel’s emphasis on adaptability wasn’t a throwaway line. Modern T20 demands bowlers who can float a new ball, middle overs, and death overs. India knows Arshdeep can swing it up front, but can he be a flexible tool if required? Likewise, other quicks must show they can replicate his utility. That comparison is the heart of the rotation scheme.
Every top team is doing this musical chairs exercise. India just happens to have more instruments than seats.
India has played this rotation game before with mixed results. In 2017, Bhuvneshwar Kumar was eased in and out before the Champions Trophy, then came back as India’s standout quick. In 2014, Mohammed Shami followed a similar path: a few trials, then a breakout World Cup. But 2022 told the opposite story. Heavy rotation left India underprepared at the death, and it showed when pressure arrived. The takeaway is simple: rotation works only when the core attack is already locked in. The real skill lies in knowing when to stop experimenting and start sharpening the chosen group.
Arshdeep Singh isn’t fighting for survival; he’s fighting for rhythm. India isn’t doubting him; they’re testing everyone else around him. That’s both a compliment and a caution. His Hobart spell reminded the think-tank that left-arm swing remains irreplaceable, but the window for match-time sharpness is shrinking.
Key Takeaway
Arshdeep’s battle isn’t for selection, it’s for sustained match rhythm before the World Cup.
FAQs
1. Why is Arshdeep not getting regular matches?
India is testing multiple fast-bowling combinations to finalize their World Cup roster.
2. Is Arshdeep still a strong candidate for the World Cup?
Yes. His PowerPlay wicket record keeps him firmly in contention.
3. What did Morkel emphasize about selection?
Adaptability, scenario-testing, and leaving no combination untried before the tournament.
Disclaimer: This blog post reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the perspectives shared and draw their own conclusions.
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