![Team India rested Arshdeep Singh [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1768201355626_Mohammed Siraj vs Arshdeep Singh (1).jpg)
Team India rested Arshdeep Singh [Source: AFP]
Indian captain Shubman Gill finally explained the reason behind resting fast bowler Arshdeep Singh in the India vs New Zealand 1st ODI. The match was played in Vadodara on January 11 as part of the ongoing three-match ODI series.
When the team announced its playing XI at the toss, many fans were surprised to see Arshdeep missing from the lineup.
Arshdeep Singh’s strong recent form
Arshdeep has been one of India’s most trusted wicket-takers in white-ball cricket. He is India's highest wicket-taker in T20Is and has done weill recently in the List A games that he has played. Despite such performances, Arshdeep being benched did not seem to ration with Indian cricket fans.
The decision surprised many fans, especially since Arshdeep has been in good form. During the ODI series against South Africa, he took at least one wicket in every match. In total, he picked up five wickets at an average of 30.80.
Before this New Zealand series, Arshdeep Singh also performed well in the Vijay Hazare Trophy while playing for Punjab. He took seven wickets in just two innings and kept his economy rate at an impressive 3.75. Due to these performances, fans felt he deserved a place in the playing XI.
Why Mohammed Siraj Was picked over Arshdeep Singh
For the first ODI, India went with Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Harshit Rana as their fast-bowling trio. While the selection upset some supporters, Gill made it clear that the move was part of a bigger plan focused on long-term preparation.
However, after the match, Shubman Gill shared the team’s thinking behind the decision. He explained that the choice was mainly about rotation and giving chances to different players.
"Arshdeep did well last series. Siraj wasn't there. We want to keep rotating as there aren't that many ODIs before the World Cup," Shubman Gill said during the post-match presentation.
Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli lead the chase successfully
Talking about the match itself, India successfully chased the target. Shubman Gill scored a steady 56 runs off 71 balls, which helped anchor the innings. At the same time, Virat Kohli played a brilliant knock of 93 runs from 91 balls.
Although the chase became slightly tense in the middle overs, short yet useful contributions from KL Rahul and Harshit Rana helped India cross the line comfortably. Gill praised Kohli’s batting, saying that he made things look easy even on a difficult pitch.
Washington Sundar ruled out of New Zealand ODI series
Meanwhile, Gill also shared an update on Washington Sundar. The all-rounder suffered a side strain during the first ODI and bowled only five overs. He came in to bat at number eight and scored seven runs, though he struggled while running between the wickets.
Later, it was confirmed that Sundar has been ruled out of the remaining two ODIs. Despite this setback, India currently lead the series 1-0. The second ODI will be played on January 14 at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, where India will look to extend their lead.
