In cricket, rhythm matters more than reputation, and form speaks louder than a name on paper. That rhythm in bowling for India came alive again when Arshdeep Singh bowled with intent against Australia in the third T20I, convincing everyone, including former all-rounder Irfan Pathan, that the young left-armer deserves a regular place in the national side. The match in Hobart showed how a bowler can change a game with accuracy and skills instead of just pace. Arshdeep produced a spell of 3 for 35, delivered 10 dot balls, and dismissed Travis Head, Josh Inglis, and Marcus Stoinis to help India level the series with a five-wicket win.
Pathan spoke on his YouTube channel soon after the game and explained why Arshdeep’s place in the attack should never come under doubt again. He highlighted that the left-armer has taken 45 wickets inside the powerplay, which is more than any other bowler since his debut. Every time Arshdeep gets an opportunity, he turns it into a statement of consistency.
"Arshdeep was played, and as soon as he was included, he showed why. He has taken 45 wickets in the power play so far. Since his debut, no one has taken more wickets with the new ball in the powerplay than Arshdeep. That's why we've been saying again and again that Arshdeep's inclusion is essential; he is a must. And once again, he showed why," stated Irfan Pathan in a video on his YouTube channel.
"Credit to Arshdeep. Even without playing regularly, the way he has performed whenever he's got a chance is commendable. Very well done. Now the hope is that he doesn't get dropped again, that he continues to play in the regular XI. Especially after this performance, there should be absolutely no reason to bench him," he added.
His success depends not only on numbers but also on the timing of his wickets. He strikes when it matters most. Even though he doesn’t play regularly in the T20I side, he keeps India steady with his sharp new-ball spells in tight situations. The left-arm pace has now scalped 104 wickets in 66 matches and stands as the only Indian to cross the 100-wicket mark in T20Is, showing both hunger and reliability.
The Case Against Benching Arshdeep Singh
Irfan Pathan’s remarks carried a clear message for the Indian team. He urged the management to stop overlooking a bowler who has earned his place through performance, not promise. Whenever Arshdeep plays, he reminds everyone why left-arm pace remains such a valuable weapon. The left-arm pacer's ability to deliver despite limited chances strengthens the case for his inclusion in India’s regular XI.
Pathan, who once led India’s attack as a left-arm seamer, understands what it takes to make an impact in short spells. He believes Arshdeep’s persistence mirrors his own fight for continuity despite strong performances. His words carried emotion, and dropping Arshdeep again would break the rhythm India needs, especially in the first six overs, where matches can swing either way. Arshdeep swings the ball early and stays calm under pressure, which adds balance to a side still searching for bowling stability in T20Is.
