🏏 India vs Australia: “Give Bumrah Rest, Not Arshdeep” — R. Ashwin Slams Team India Selection

Melbourne | October 31, 2025:
India’s former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has openly criticized the Indian team management for dropping fast bowler Arshdeep Singh from the playing XI during the second T20I against Australia in Melbourne. India suffered a disappointing defeat in that match, managing just 125 runs in 18.4 overs, while Australia comfortably chased down the target in 13.2 overs with six wickets in hand.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said,

“If the management wanted to experiment, they should have rested Jasprit Bumrah, not Arshdeep Singh. Bumrah already has workload management issues — giving him rest would have made sense.”

“It’s Sad to Drop India’s Leading T20 Wicket-Taker”

Ashwin expressed disappointment over Arshdeep’s exclusion, calling it “unfortunate and demotivating”.

“Arshdeep Singh is currently India’s top wicket-taker in T20 internationals. Such a bowler deserves to be in the squad. If Bumrah plays, Arshdeep should be your second-choice pacer. If Bumrah is rested, Arshdeep should automatically be your first choice. Not selecting him makes no sense,” Ashwin said.

Arshdeep has been one of India’s most consistent bowlers in the shortest format, having taken 101 wickets in 65 matches. Despite his stellar performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup, he has not been a regular starter and last featured during the 2025 Asia Cup.

Team Selection Controversy

In the second T20I, Harshit Rana was included in the squad instead of Arshdeep. While Rana performed decently, Ashwin believes the balance of the team was disturbed by Arshdeep’s absence.

“Arshdeep has delivered consistently whenever given opportunities. If you don’t allow him to play, your champion bowler will lose confidence and rhythm. Please, give him the chance he deserves,” Ashwin appealed.