Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa believes Arshdeep Singh should replace Harshit Rana in the Indian team. Uthappa recognized that Rana can contribute batting down the order, but he emphasized that Axar Patel's presence can cover that void by giving the team eight batting options and six bowling options.
He went on to call Axar an 'underrated' bowler and predict India's bowling selection for the next three-match ODI series against New Zealand, which begins January 11.
“I like Harshit as a bowler; he’s immensely talented, but I prefer Arshdeep over Harshit in any circumstances. As batter, if Harshit can hit three sixes in ten balls, I think Arshdeep can hit two at this point. What he brings to the table is far more valuable than Harshit at this point,” Uthappa said on his YouTube channel.
“In my view, Axar is a very underrated bowler. Yes, Kuldeep is amazing, and if the conditions allow three spinners, then unfortunately, Arshdeep has to miss out, which I don’t like. I think Arshdeep, irrespective of any wicket, should play. Which means unfortunately, Kuldeep has to be out because Varun is the No.1 T20I bowler in the world,” he said.
The optimum lineup for any team in T20Is comprises eight batting and six bowling options, according to Uthappa, who also stressed the importance of having depth in the batting order.
“Between Axar and Kuldeep, I always feel [that] having eight batters is important. And if you have eight batters and six bowlers, that’s the sweetest spot where you can stay in the T20I game… There is no better thing, no better blessing you can get in a team; you have to maintain that,” Uthappa added.
Uthappa also spoke about the exclusion of Mohammed Shami from the upcoming ODI squad against New Zealand.
“I think they want him [Shami] to be 100 percent fit. I don’t think he’s 100 percent fit in my view. One thing you need to understand is that you can play first-class cricket. I think his one problem is, and again, I haven’t talked to Shami. I’ve no information about this, but the one [thing] I know [is] that there is a concern for the selectors or the BCCI is that his left knee swells. He gets a lot of swelling there, right?” he added.
“I don’t know if that is fully addressed, so I think maybe that is it. Again, I don’t know. It’s my speculation. I would love to learn more about this. I haven’t put a lot of effort to learn more about this,” Uthappa added.
