A heated debate has erupted over the selection of India’s team for the ongoing three-match ODI series against New Zealand with spin legend Ravichandran Ashwin strongly criticizing head coach Gautam Gambhir’s strategy while supporting Arshdeep Singh.
Ravichandran Ashwin criticizes Gautam Gambhir after Arshdeep Singh is benched in India vs New Zealand series
With the ODI series tied at 1-1 and the series decider scheduled to be played in Indore on January 18, Arshdeep Singh is yet to get a chance to play a single match against New Zealand despite being one of India’s most reliable bowlers despite the fact that he played all three ODIs against South Africa last month.
Seeing the left-arm pacer sitting on the bench in the Gujarat leg of the India vs New Zealand series, Ashwin did not hold back and criticized Gambhir for undermining the bowler’s confidence with his decision to ignore him for the ongoing home series.
Also read: Arshdeep Singh makes public apology to Morne Morkel for bowling expensive wide in the second T20 against South Africa
The former Indian off-spinner admitted that the Indian cricket team management is clearly thinking long-term, especially with the 2027 World Cup in mind, but he warned that such planning should not come at the expense of a player who has already proven himself.
Don’t sacrifice Arshdeep Singh for future plans: Ashwin warns
Ashwin focused his attention directly on Arshdeep’s mentality. The former Indian all-rounder has said that someone needs to replace Arshdeep and think about what is going on in his mind after being dropped repeatedly despite performing well in white-ball games.
Ravichandran Ashwin said on his YouTube channel ‘Ash Ki Baat’, “The competition is between the bowlers. For South Africa (World Cup), you need hit-the-deck bowlers. Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna need match experience, and that is why they are being played. I can understand the thinking. But who will replace Arshdeep Singh and who will think? Who is going to do that?”
Gautam Gambhir and Team India are playing with the confidence of Arshdeep Singh: Ashwin
He told that it is not about how many matches Arshdeep plays, but it is about the mental impact when a bowler has to fight for his place every time. Ashwin explained that this problem almost always affects bowlers and he too has gone through this phase during his career, which is why he is constantly fighting and standing for Arshdeep.
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Ashwin further explained, “It’s not about how much he is playing or not, but what is going on in his mind. Someone who has done so much still has to fight for his place. And the next time he plays, he will be out of action. Why does it always happen with bowlers? I have been in this situation, and I know it is unfair, so I am always fighting for Arshdeep. And he has always done well.”
Too late to repair the damage?
He also felt that even if Arshdeep was selected for the third ODI against New Zealand, it would not do much as it would already have dented the Punjab player’s confidence. Ashwin said, “Even if he plays the third ODI now, what will it do? Why did he not play the first two matches? How will this affect his confidence? I am talking from a cricketer’s point of view.”
Ashwin talks about himself with emotions #arshdeepsingh selection in #INDvsNZ ODI. Courtesy: Aish Ki Baat YT pic.twitter.com/uoQQQpjcie
– Aryan (@SquadSadda32936) 15 January 2026
Their figures further intensify this debate. In just 14 ODI matches, Arshdeep has so far taken 22 wickets at a strong average of 24.90 and economy rate of 5.29. His List-A record is equally impressive, with 75 wickets to his name in 44 matches at an average of 23.96 and an economy rate of 5.15.
