IND v AFG 2024: “Few ups and downs…,” Arshdeep acknowledges his journey in T20Is as a ‘mixed bag’ over last 12 months

Arshdeep is banking on the recent experience of bowling with new ball to ace the latest test of his skills.

Arshdeep Singh | GettyHaving won the first two T20Is in Mohali and Indore, Team India have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series against Afghanistan.

The series finale is scheduled to be held at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore on Wednesday (January 17).

On the eve of the third and final T20I, India pacer Arshdeep Singh addressed a press conference, where he acknowledged that his journey in the shortest format was a mixed bag over the last 12 months.

Arshdeep claimed four wickets from as many matches against Australia last year but in each of those encounters, he gave away 41, 46, 44 and 40 runs in four overs.

In the next two series against South Africa and Afghanistan, the left-armer had relatively better outings – four scalps from four matches at an acceptable economy of eight.

Arshdeep’s economy fluctuated between 7.5 and above 10 from January 5, 2023 to January 14, 2024, giving a perspective about his efforts.

"The last 12 months have been a mixed bag (of experience). There were a few good performances and I got to learn something new. There were a few ups and downs as well, making my performances neutral," Arshdeep told reporters.

The 24-year-old is now banking on the recent experience of bowling with new ball to ace the latest test of his skills.

"Specifically, I recently started (bowling) with new ball, especially on slow wickets. In the last match, I tried a few variations, especially against left-handers, and it worked and it gave me some confidence. Otherwise, I am trying to sharpen my skills," he added.

Arshdeep attributed his recent improvement in T20Is to role clarity within the team. "Players' roles are defined. As a bowler, you know, you have to bowl at the start and middle overs. When there is clarity, you come up with good performances,” he stated.

While the Men in Blue have clinched the series 2-0, Arshdeep Singh said it won't stop him and the team to continue seeking improvement.

"Mindset as a team doesn't work on what the series scoreline and what happened in the last matches. The main motive is to get used to the ground, adapt quickly. We can look at improving and developing match skills," he remarked.

The Chinnaswamy Stadium often tests the skills of a bowler with its flat track and short boundaries, but Arshdeep sees it as an advantage.

"We feel there is nothing to lose here. Batsmen are under pressure because of the feeling that they have to score more boundaries and that is where as a bowler you are in the game. You can get more wickets."

(With PTI Inputs)

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 16 Jan, 2024

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