Former India bowling coach Bharat Arun is worried about Arshdeep Singh‘s match fitness ahead of the 2025 Asia Cup. Arun feels that getting back into match rhythm would be a challenge for Arshdeep Singh, and that could happen in a jiffy or might take even a couple of matches in the short tournament.
For the record, the left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh was part of India’s squad for the recent Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in England but didn’t play a single match as he warmed the bench. Since IPL 2025, the only competitive game he has played is for North Zone against East Zone in the Duleep Trophy, where he picked up 1/51 and scored 12 runs with a couple of big sixes to his name.
Bharat Arun expresses concern on Arshdeep’s match fitness
In an interview to PTI, Bharat Arun said: “Arshdeep, we all know what he is capable of doing. He must have bowled a lot in England, but he is definitely short of match practice. ”Â
Bharat Arun further added: “The rhythm really comes from playing matches no matter how much you bowl in the net and practice sessions. I think it is important to bowl in matches. It’s a big challenge for Arshdeep. How quickly he gets back his match rhythm would be very, very important. It can be in a jiffy or it can take him a couple of matches to get into rhythm.”Â
India would desperately need Arshdeep Singh to be at the top of his game. He was a crucial cog behind their 2024 T20 World Cup win, where he broke several records on sluggish pitches of the US and the West Indies.
Bharat Arun’s opinion on Harshit Rana and his role in the squad
But, even if Arshdeep takes some time to find his steps, India has good depth in the department, including Harshit Rana, who has been among the best all-round pacers in the last two seasons of the IPL.
Bharat Arun noted: “Harshit has been very impressive in T20 cricket. He is a very talented bowler in the sense that he can really bowl well-disguised slower balls. He has got a pretty good yorker, and he can move the new ball around. The challenge for him would be to stay very consistent and to get his execution right. His capabilities and his talent are exceptional.”Â
India’s possible pace-bowling line-up in playing XIÂ
It will be interesting to see India’s pace-bowling line-up in the playing XI and how many pacers they pick apart from Hardik Pandya. Against UAE, we believe Jasprit Bumrah will be a sure starter and Arshdeep Singh with his T20I credentials should start ahead of Harshit Rana. But even things go a bit south for Arshdeep, India have the option of Harshit Rana who also has been inconsistent to say the least.
There is also a possibility that Bumrah might sit out a few games against lesser known teams and that could mean India playing with both Arshdeep and Harshit. Let’s not forget what the conditions will be on offer in Dubai. If it spins more, India can go in with 3 spinners and only one pacer alongside Hardik Pandya. So, there will be plenty of discussions and thoughts as to what the make-up of the Indian team will be. India have a problem of plenty and a plethora of options to choose from.
So, the stage is set for the Asia Cup 2025 to begin. While the action begins on 9th, India play their first match on 10th September in Dubai against the local team UAE. A routine win might seem to be on the cards for the Men in Blue, but they should not be complacent and take every side seriously and play their natural game. This is T20 and anything can happen in a game of cricket as we know. But India should beat UAE and make a winning start ahead of the big game on 14th September.
Let’s see how things unfold in Asia Cup 2025 for the Indian team and for the other teams as well involved in this tournament. It will be exciting and great viewing as well.
Also Read: Asia Cup 2025: SWOT Analysis – India Aims To Defend Title