Last 12 months have been a mixed bag for me: Arshdeep Singh

When Arshdeep Singh was picked for the Indian team in 2022, there was a sense of euphoria around him. Primarily because India yearned for a left-arm pacer for a long time and also because of the kind of impact he had created for Punjab Kings in the IPL. So much so that, barring his consistent problems with bowling no-balls, Arshdeep was hailed as one of the finest finds of recent times.

Even though the Punjab pacer failed to translate the T20 performance to the ODI stage, he has maintained a very good reputation in the shortest format. Having averaged 18.12 in 2022, Arshdeep averaged 24.46 in the following year and in 2024, he has picked up a three-wicket haul already. 

That keeps him in the race for a spot in India’s T20 World Cup plans, and Arshdeep acknowledges that he is learning new tricks every day like adding a few more variations against left-handers.

“The last 12 months have been a mixed bag,” Arshdeep said in the pre-match press conference in Bengaluru. “There were a few good performances and I got to learn something new. There were also a few ups and downs, making my performances neutral.

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

With the series already won 2-0, will India take the Bengaluru match a little lighter? Arshdeep doesn’t think so.

“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. The 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, and adapt quickly. We can look at improving and developing match skills,” the left-arm pacer added.