3 reasons why India not picking Arshdeep Singh for AUS vs IND 2025 1st T20I was the right move

The first T20I of the five-match series between Australia and India ended in a no result due to persistent rain on Wednesday, October 29, at the Manuka Oval in Canberra. The visitors were cruising at 97/1 after 9.4 overs, with Shubman Gill (37) and Suryakumar Yadav (39) at the crease when further play was called off because of the weather.

While the match didn’t produce a result, the visitors’ playing XI drew considerable attention, particularly due to the exclusion of Arshdeep Singh. The left-arm seamer, who has represented India in 65 T20Is and taken 101 wickets at an average of 18.76 and a strike rate of 13.44 (the most by any Indian bowler in the format), was left out of the side for the opening game.

Since then, many experts and fans have shared their views on the 26-year-old’s omission. On that note, here are three reasons why India’s decision to leave out Arshdeep Singh for the AUS vs IND 2025 1st T20I was the right move.

#1 India’s aggressive batting strategy demands depth in the line-up

Over the past couple of years, Team India have completely transformed their approach to T20I cricket, adopting a fearless, attacking style from the very first ball. In 2025 alone, India have featured in 13 T20Is, winning 11 of them.

During this period, they have recorded a highest total of 247 and maintained an impressive run rate of 9.25 per over, which clearly reflects their intent to dominate from the outset, with Abhishek Sharma often setting the tone at the top.

However, such an aggressive approach also increases the risk of losing wickets in clusters. To counter this, India have emphasized batting depth, relying on all-rounders who can contribute with both bat and ball.

With Hardik Pandya and Nitish Kumar Reddy sidelined due to injuries, the team management opted for Harshit Rana at No. 8 ahead of Arshdeep Singh, valuing the Delhi cricketer’s ability to make useful contributions with the bat.

In the Adelaide ODI against Australia, Rana impressed with an unbeaten 24 off 18 balls, and in the following Sydney fixture, he picked up four wickets. Considering his all-round capabilities and the Men in Blue’s current emphasis on aggressive, flexible cricket, selecting Rana over Arshdeep was a tactically sound decision.

#2 Spin duo of Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav too valuable to drop

Another possible way to include Arshdeep Singh would have been to bench either Varun Chakaravarthy or Kuldeep Yadav. However, both spinners have become indispensable given their consistent and impactful performances. The pair were instrumental in the Men in Blue’s 2025 Asia Cup triumph, with Kuldeep taking 17 wickets in seven matches and Varun adding seven wickets in six.

Their reliability over the past year has made it nearly impossible for the management to overlook them. Moreover, Australia’s middle order lacks significant international experience, with players like Mitchell Owen and Josh Philippe still finding their footing at this level. In such conditions, India’s spin pair are well-positioned to exploit those weaknesses, making Kuldeep and Varun automatic selections in the playing XI.

#3 Arshdeep Singh couldn’t be picked at the expense of Jasprit Bumrah

Ace India pacer Jasprit Bumrah was rested for the ODI series against Australia but returned to the squad for the T20Is. His presence made him an automatic inclusion in the playing XI, as the management was unlikely to bench a fully fit and fresh Bumrah. Naturally, this meant Arshdeep Singh had to sit out.

Bumrah has featured in 76 T20Is, taking 96 wickets at an average of 17.85, a strike rate of 16.85, and an economy of 6.35. His control, consistency, and match-winning ability make him one of the most reliable bowlers in world cricket.

Given his impact and experience, it was always going to be difficult for any seamer, including Arshdeep, to be preferred ahead of him. In that context, leaving Arshdeep out for the opening T20I was a logical and tactical decision.