England vs India: Surprised that Arshdeep Singh is not part of last 2 T20Is, says Ajit Agarkar

Former India fast bowler Ajit Agarkar expressed surprise at the absence of Arshdeep Singh’s name for the last two T20Is in the ongoing 3-match series against England, saying that the left-arm pacer should have given an extended run after a good start to his international career.

Arshdeep Singh, who was handed a call-up for the T20I series against South Africa after consistent performances in the Indian Premier League, warmed the benches in his first two series, including the 2-match T20Is against Ireland in June. However, Arshdeep made the most of his opportunity on debut, picking up 2 wickets in India’s 50-run win over England in Southampton on Thursday, July 7.

Arshdeep flaunted his ability to swing the ball both ways with the new ball as he began his T20I career with a maiden over in the first T20I against England.

However, Arshedeep is not part of the T20I squad for the remainder of the series as the Test regulars are making their way back after having missed the series opener. The likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant will be available for selection for the 2nd T20I on Saturday.

“We have been so accustomed to seeing him bowl with a slightly older ball in the IPL. We haven’t seen enough of this. If he can do that with the new ball and get it to move at that pace and we all know what he can do at the death. It was a great day for him even if he hadn’t got those two wickets. Those two wickets in front of his name will make him feel better,” Agarkar said after Arshdeep’s heroics in the first T20I.

“It’s just unfortunate he is not part of the two games because that sort of performance, going forward, with left-arm bowling as well as he did today and if he can build on that, he would certainly be an asset for the Indian team. So I am a bit surprised that he is not there but he has had a fantastic game,” he added.

Arshdeep, however, will return for the ODI series against England, starting July 12 at the Oval. The young pacer impressed in the two warm-up matches as well, picking up a two-wicket haul in each outing.

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