India’s left-arm fast bowler Arshdeep Singh was not included in the playing eleven for the first ODI against New Zealand in Vadodara on Sunday, January 11. His absence took many by surprise, and former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was among those who expressed surprise at Arshdeep being left out of the opener.
Arshdeep played all three matches of Team India’s last ODI series against South Africa at home in December 2025. The young fast bowler took five wickets and India won the series 2-1. He, who made his ODI debut in November 2022, has made an impact for India whenever he has got the chance in the 50-over format.
With Arshdeep Singh out of the first ODI, India selected three fast bowlers and three spinners.
India went with a heavy bowling combination in the first ODI and chose three fast bowlers and three spinners in the playing eleven. The pace attack included Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna. For spin, the team selected Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar.
Captain Shubman Gill won the toss and decided to bowl first, but he did not explain why Arshdeep Singh was left out of the eleven. The decision surprised many, especially considering Arshdeep’s recent form.
Without Arshdeep taking the new ball, India struggled to make an early impact. New Zealand’s openers started with confidence and made a strong start. Siraj and Rana shared the new ball, but did not get success in the initial overs.
Later, India fielded Prasidh Krishna as the third fast bowler. Despite using three fast bowlers, the home team found it difficult to slow down the scoring or take early wickets.
One should not rest after being selected – Ravichandran Ashwin on dropping Arshdeep Singh
Ravichandran Ashwin reacted on social media after Arshdeep Singh was ruled out of the first ODI, questioning the idea of ​​calling it a “rest”. He said that a player should be given rest before selection, as happened in the case of Jasprit Bumrah, and not after making a place in the team.
Ashwin said that dropping a player after selection breaks continuity and can affect rhythm and performance, adding that such a decision can harm a bowler’s confidence and form.
Ashwin wrote on
No one should be given rest after joining the team.
Taking rest means that he should also get rest like Bumrah.
Lack of consistency can affect the rhythm and hence the performance. https://t.co/RFmu9pmAMM
– Ashwin (@ashwinravi99) 11 January 2026
Arshdeep Singh entered the series in strong form
Arshdeep Singh came into the series in good form. The fast bowler played two matches in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he took five wickets against Sikkim and followed it up with two wickets against Goa.
Earlier, he had played four T20 matches against South Africa and took five wickets. Arshdeep played all three matches in the ODI series against the same opponent. In the final ODI, Prasidh Krishna and Kuldeep Yadav took four wickets each, which helped Prasidh earn a place in the eleven.
Despite missing the first ODI, Arshdeep’s overall ODI record remains strong. He has played 14 matches for India in this format and has taken 22 wickets at an average under 25 and an economy rate of 5.29.
Also Read: Shubman Gill prays to God that India win the toss immediately against New Zealand in Vadodara; video broke the internet
