India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel shed light on the decision to rest Arshdeep Singh, one of India’s most consistent T20I performers, for the first two matches of the ongoing series against Australia. According to Morkel, the move was part of a strategic plan to test different bowling combinations ahead of major tournaments like the T20 World Cup.
Team Strategy Over Individual Selection
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Morkel explained,
“Arshdeep is experienced. He understands that there’s a bigger picture where we’re trying different combinations. He’s a world-class bowler and has taken the most wickets for us in the powerplay. But on this tour, we wanted to look at other options, and he completely understands that.”
Despite being rested earlier, Arshdeep made a powerful comeback in the third T20I, picking up three wickets for 35 runs in his four-over spell — two in the powerplay and one at the death. His effort earned him the Player of the Match award, reaffirming his value to the Indian setup.
Experimenting Before the T20 World Cup
Morkel emphasized that the management’s goal is to evaluate players in pressure situations before finalizing combinations for the World Cup.
“It’s not easy. There will always be disappointment in selection, but we want players to be ready when their chance comes. With limited matches before the World Cup, we need to see how they handle tough situations. These games help us learn that while still keeping a winning mindset.”
What’s Next
The five-match T20I series between India and Australia is finely balanced at 1-1, with the first game washed out. The next clash will be played at Carrara Oval, Queensland, on Thursday, November 6.
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