It’s not easy for every cricketer to handle uncertainty and that too with a smile, but Arshdeep Singh seems to have made peace with the unpredictable nature of international cricket. Whether he is bowling crucial overs for India or sitting out due to team combinations, the left-arm pacer has learned to deal with both the situations using calm thinking and a healthy dose of humour.
That side of Arshdeep Singh came through during a recent media interaction after the 1st T20 against New Zealand. Asked about being in and out of the team since Gautam Gambhir took over as head coach, he chose to respond lightly, turning the question into a playful remark. He said that being in and out of the team also has its benefits, whenever he gets in or goes out of the team, his ball also starts to come in and go out. It was a reminder that he knows how to defuse tricky questions without sounding bitter or defensive.
Behind the humour, however, lies a strong record. With more than a hundred wickets in T20 internationals, Arshdeep Singh remains India’s most successful bowler in the format. Yet, selection has not always followed numbers. Since the coaching change in mid-2024, he has often been rotated or left out to suit different team combinations. In 2025, he featured in just over half of India’s T20 matches and spent large parts of the Asia Cup on the sidelines despite his proven ability.
Rather than letting that affect his mindset, Arshdeep Singh prefers to keep things simple. He believes his responsibility is to stay ready and deliver whenever the team calls upon him, regardless of whether he is handed the new ball, asked to bowl in the middle overs or trusted at the death. According to him, focusing on controllable aspects like preparation and execution helps block out the frustration that can come from selection decisions.
He also spoke about the challenge of bowling on flat pitches where batters dominate. On such surfaces, bowlers often feel under pressure but Arshdeep Singh feels planning and clarity help ease the stress. Team discussions, clear strategies and sticking to plans on match day form the backbone of his approach. Even when things do not go as expected, he believes reviewing and adjusting is part of a bowler’s growth.
Adaptability, in his view, is essential for both individuals and the team. Conditions, opponents and match situations change quickly and players must be mentally prepared to shift gears. Whether he is brought on early, held back for later or not used at all, Arshdeep Singh tries to remain ready without overthinking his role.
Ending on a lighter note, he shared a friendly insight from net sessions, revealing that teammate Abhishek Sharma prefers not to face him during practice. Arshdeep takes that as a compliment and enjoys watching someone he has played alongside for years succeed on the big stage.
Through jokes, patience and professionalism, Arshdeep Singh continues to navigate the highs and lows of international cricket, proving that mindset can be just as important as skill.
