How Arshdeep Singh made his way into Indian cricket team

Arshdeep Singh was overwhelmed when he got to know that he has been selected for the T20I series against South Africa that starts on June 9.

The 23 year-old bowler from Punjab was on his way to Wankhede Stadium for the last league match of IPL 2022 when he got the news. 

But his overall performance in IPL was reason enough for his selection. In 14 matches, Arshdeep scalped 14 wickets and his economy rate was 7.58 in the least ten overs, second only to Jasprit Bumrah, whose economy rate was 7.38. 

But it was a long journey for Arshdeep, who had to work a lot on his shortcomings and enhance his skills to make it to Team India.

HOW ARSHDEEP OVERCAME HIS SHORTCOMINGS?

In an interview to ESPN cricinfo, Arshdeep told how he got rid of his loose deliveries to make sure he didn't get hit him for big shots. “Earlier I used to bowl loose balls in between. Now I have worked on that a lot so that I don’t give the batter that release ball”, Arshdeep said.

He said that the batters in IPL are quite experienced and they will hit the bowler for a big shot if they get a loose ball.  This is one aspect which Arshdeep said, he has worked on. 

For that, Arshdeep says he did a lot of single-wicket practice. He said that he would repeatedly bowl the length ball and yorkers. And after so much practice, he had an idea of angle and speed of his deliveries. 

He added that he is also working on his bowling speed and consistency.

This was the reason why Arshdeep was only next to Bumrah in bowling yorkers in the death overs. Arshdeep said that he was told by the team management that he would be bowling two overs in the death overs.

And he did win the trust of his team. Punjab though couldn’t qualify for the playoffs, Arshdeep made a mark for himself. 

THE INSPIRATION

The 23 year-old cricketer considers Irfan Pathan his idol. He also said that he gets a lot of support from Mohammad Shami whom he considers a world-class bowler.

“Shami bhai is a world-class bowler and has a lot of experience that he is willing to pass on to the youngsters,' Arshdeep said.

Arshdeep continued his practice with his father even during the lockdown. And when IPL 2020 happened, he was picked by Punjab Kings at Rs 20 lakh. Since then, there has been no looking back for him. In 2022, he was retained by Punjab Kings at Rs 4 crore. And after a good season, he will now be donning the Indian jersey.