Why was Arshdeep Singh not selected for the India vs Australia 1st T20I?

Arshdeep Singh, the highest T20I wicket-taker for India, was not selected for the 1st T20I against Australia due to concerns over his batting ability, not his bowling prowess.

How did Suryakumar Yadav perform in the abandoned match?

Suryakumar Yadav, the Indian captain, was in fine form, scoring an unbeaten 39 off 24 balls and showcasing his controlled aggression and flurry of attractive strokes before the match was abandoned due to rain.

What was the impact of Harshit Rana's selection over Arshdeep Singh?

The decision to select Harshit Rana over Arshdeep Singh, despite Arshdeep's superior bowling record, has been criticized by former India opener Aakash Chopra, who called it "quite baffling" and questioned the team's philosophy of prioritizing batting ability over bowling prowess.

Home / Sports / Arshdeep Singh Snubbed for Australia T20I Despite Record-Breaking Wickets

Arshdeep Singh Snubbed for Australia T20I Despite Record-Breaking Wickets

31 Oct

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Summary

Arshdeep Singh, India's highest T20I wicket-taker, excluded from 1st T20I
Harshit Rana picked over Arshdeep due to batting ability, not bowling
Suryakumar Yadav's explosive innings cut short by rain in abandoned match

On October 31, 2025, the Indian cricket team management's decision to snub Arshdeep Singh, the highest T20I wicket-taker for the country, for the India vs Australia 1st T20I has not been well received. Arshdeep is the only Indian bowler to have taken over 100 wickets in T20Is - 101 in 65 matches. However, for the first T20I, India went in with Harshit Rana and Jasprit Bumrah as the specialist pacers.

Former India opener Aakash Chopra was baffled by Arshdeep's omission, stating that it is "quite baffling" that India's highest T20I wicket-taker couldn't find a place in the playing XI, even in Australia. Chopra also questioned the team's philosophy of prioritizing batting ability over bowling prowess at No. 8, as Harshit Rana was picked ahead of Arshdeep.

Despite the controversy, the match itself was abandoned due to inclement weather. Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav was in fine form, scoring an unbeaten 39 off 24 balls, showcasing his controlled aggression and flurry of attractive strokes. Shubman Gill also looked in good touch, adding 62 runs off 35 balls for the second wicket with Suryakumar. However, the steady spell of showers proved to be a complete dampener, and the first T20I was called off.