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"Arshdeep Singh Better Than Prasidh Any Day": Fans Baffled With India's Playing XI In Leeds

Akshita Patel

Fans question snub of Arshdeep Singh [Source: @_arshdeep.singh__/Instagram, @Chandanmgs123/X.com]Fans question snub of Arshdeep Singh [Source: @_arshdeep.singh__/Instagram, @Chandanmgs123/X.com]

Team India lost the toss and were asked to bat first in the first Test against England at Headingley, Leeds. The visitors went with four seamers, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, and Shardul Thakur, but the absence of Arshdeep Singh baffled the fans.

The high-stake 5-game Test series between India and England began on June 20 with the first Test. Shubman Gill walked out in the captain’s coat for the first time to kickstart the new era of Indian Test cricket.

However, he lost the toss to Ben Stokes. England opted to bowl first, but the playing XI of India left the fans wondering about the team’s strategy.

Arshdeep Singh’s Snub Irks Fans On Social Media

Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh got a call-up for the England series after consistent performances in the domestic season and the IPL. Many fans expected him to feature in the first Test at Leeds, as the wicket has enough help for the pacers.

Moreover, with India’s pace attack being heavily dominated by right-arm seamers, Arshdeep could have added the necessary balance. However, Shubman Gill and co. ignored Singh and went with Bumrah, Siraj, Krishna, and Thakur instead.

The decision didn’t sit well with fans as they slammed the selection strategy on social media.

"So they’ve gone with only Bumrah, the one true swing bowler suited to English conditions. I’m interested to see where that leaves them by Day 5. I would’ve thought one of Akash Deep or Arshdeep Singh was a no-brainer selection." - @snikiwe_

"Arshdeep singh will be missed .. once ball stops swinging it hard to stop the run flow.. left arm bowlers natural angle helps in these conditions.." - @muthu629

Fan tweets on Arshdeep Singh [Source: @muthu629, @snikiwe_/X.com]Fan tweets on Arshdeep Singh [Source: @muthu629, @snikiwe_/X.com]

"Arshdeep Singh is better than Prasidh Krishna any day ! He recently played county in England too, not sure when he will get breakthrough!" - @Chandanmgs123

"I really wanted to see Arshdeep Singh though. All our 4 fast bowlers are right handers, Arshdeep would've offered something much different." - @Pran__07

"No arshdeep kuldeep in playing 11 what a blunder." - @itsharman_10

Fan tweets on Arshdeep Singh [Source: @Chandanmgs123, @Pran__07, @itsharman_10/X.com]Fan tweets on Arshdeep Singh [Source: @Chandanmgs123, @Pran__07, @itsharman_10/X.com]

Shardul Thakur is an experienced all-rounder with significant overseas experience. Hence, he has been added, likely to extend the batting depth. Ravindra Jadeja is the only spinner in the playing XI.