India fast bowler Arshdeep Singh recently responded strongly to a fan who questioned his focus during the ongoing Test series in England. The 26-year-old is part of the squad for the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy but hasn’t played yet. A fan messaged Arshdeep on social media platform Snapchat saying, “Ghumne se kuch ni hoga pajji, match jitwao” (Roaming around won’t help, win matches). Arshdeep replied with a short and sharp, “Okay beta (son) g,” and shared a screenshot of the exchange on his story. Arshdeep didn’t play in the first Test at Headingley, where India lost to England by five wickets. England chased down a target of 371, which is among the team’s highest successful run chases in Test cricket.
Arshdeep Singh’s response to a fan on Snapchat (Image via Snapchat/Arshdeep Singh)
Days before Arshdeep Singh shut down a troll online, he was seen in a fun moment during Team India’s practice in Birmingham. A video went viral showing Arshdeep and fellow pacer Akash Deep playfully wrestling with bowling coach Morne Morkel. Later, Arshdeep shared what really happened. In a video posted by BCCI, he said, “Morne ne bola tha ki jaise hi tumhara session khatam ho jaaye, to main hamesha last move karunga, main tumhe pin out karunga aur uske baad koi practice nahi hogi (Morne had said that the moment our practice session ends, he will have a last move and he will pin me. Thereafter, there will be no practice).”
Additionally, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has also backed Arshdeep to play in the second Test, starting July 2 at Edgbaston. Speaking on his YouTube channel, the former cricketer praised Arshdeep’s control and swing, and said he could add variety to India’s bowling attack.
Poll
Do you think Arshdeep Singh should play in the second Test against England?
With conditions in Birmingham likely to help fast bowlers, Arshdeep’s left-arm pace could be valuable. The decision now rests with the team management on whether to hand him a debut in the second Test.
