The curious case of Arshdeep Singh dropped from India XI for T20 series against Australia had been making headlines. However, the left-arm pacer made a comeback in the third T20I at Bellerive Oval in Hobart on Sunday, November 2.
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Arshdeep Singh Finally Come Back
Batting first, Australia posted a strong 186-run total, riding on blistering knocks from Tim David (74) and Marcus Stoinis (64). Arshdeep was the finest bowler for the visitors with figures of 3/35. In response, India sealed the chase with nine balls to spare, with the top contribution from Washington Sundar (49). Let’s take a look at how head coach Gautam Gambhir’s decision to include Arshdeep Singh in the XI sends a message regarding the team dynamics for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Possible Reasons Behind Arshdeep Singh’s Omission
The Indian team played without Arshdeep Singh in the first two T20Is, as coach Gautam Gambhir and skipper Suryakumar Yadav decided to trust Harshit Rana. Rana’s case became strong after he performed well during the ODI series. He picked up six wickets and contributed 24 runs in three games. Although Harshit Rana contributed 35 in the second T20I, he conceded 27 runs off his two overs. The disappointing bowling performance resulted in him getting cut from the XI. Arshdeep’s exclusion came at a time when he was the most successful bowler for the country in the shortest format. He achieved the feat in just three years, securing 104 wickets in 66 appearances so far.
Effective 🤝 Economical
For his superb spell of 3⃣/3⃣5⃣, Arshdeep Singh wins the Player of the Match award 🥇
The T20I series is now levelled at 1⃣-1⃣ with 2⃣ matches to go.
Scorecard ▶ https://t.co/X5xeZ0Mc5a #TeamIndia | #AUSvIND | @arshdeepsinghh pic.twitter.com/ZaJaY9T2mz
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 2, 2025
Meanwhile, the left-arm pacer could only be part of two games in the 2025 Asia Cup, taking two wickets at an economy of 10.37. It was primarily due to the spin-conducive surfaces in the United Arab Emirates and the presence of Jasprit Bumrah and pace-bowling all-rounders, Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube. The scrutiny around Arshdeep Singh seems to have reached the ears of Indian team management, as he was brought into the India XI for T20 series against Australia.
First T20I – No place in the team.
Second T20I – No place in the team.Third T20I – Player of the match award. 🥇
WHAT A TRUE INSPIRATIONAL PERFORMANCE BY ARSHDEEP SINGH….!!! pic.twitter.com/07TQGl1uWZ
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) November 2, 2025
In only the fourth ball of the first over, Arshdeep Singh forced Travis Head into a drive. Head played far away from his body, and his thick outside edge was caught by Suryakumar. In his next over, Arshdeep Singh bowled a length ball outside the leg stump, and Josh Inglis swung hard at it. But, he could only deposit the ball into the hands of Axar Patel in the deep fine leg. Due to him, Australia endured a dismal start, but recovered due to Tim David’s explosive knock.
Arshdeep Singh For India 🔥🫡 pic.twitter.com/5qiaU9HQ8u
— RVCJ Media (@RVCJ_FB) November 1, 2025
Arshdeep Singh came back in the death overs, conceding 24 runs off two overs and taking a solitary wicket. During this two-over spell, he missed out on executing yorkers on most occasions and dismissed Marcus Stoinis. Nevertheless, Arshdeep Singh’s early breakthroughs kept Australia under 200 and allowed India to win the game easily. As a result, he was named Player of the Match.
How Does Arshdeep Singh’s Presence Help India’s T20I Side?
The return of Arshdeep Singh to India XI for T20 series against Australia made one thing clear that he has a knack for taking wickets. Irrespective of the pitch or weather conditions, Arshdeep is a must. Let’s take a look at a few advantages of having Arshdeep Singh in the XI for the Indian team ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Arshdeep Singh was dropped from the T20i team even after consistently performing.
Today he made a comeback and picked 3/34 in 4 overs. 👌👏 pic.twitter.com/LdTpzMtHe7
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 2, 2025
1. India’s Finest Bowler in ICC Events
Arshdeep Singh is a proven performer in the last two editions of the T20 World Cup. IN fact, he has scalped most wickets in both editions (2022 and 2024). In the 2022 edition, the left-arm pacer picked up 10 wickets in six games and was India’s best bowler. Meanwhile, Arshdeep Singh emerged as the highest wicket-taker for the Indian team in the 2024 edition with 15 scalps. His contributions helped the side to secure a title for the first time after 2007.
2. Can Pick Wickets in Powerplay and Death Overs
During the 2025 Asia Cup, Jasprit Bumrah bowled three of his four overs inside the powerplay. His presence in the death overs was not needed quite often, as the batting line-ups of the opposition left India’s bowling depth untested.
Arshdeep Singh is India’s highest wicket-taker in T20Is… pic.twitter.com/KJx9GdUFsz
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) November 3, 2025
However, with teams like Australia, England, and South Africa as the potential opponents, India will require specialists like Arshdeep Singh to contain the hard-hitters. If Hardik Pandya returns, he will provide cushion to the side, but Arshdeep’s presence will be crucial due to his ability to pick wickets in the powerplay as well as death overs. If Arshdeep Singh dropped could again be the story, the Indian team will rely on Harshit Rana, who isn’t experienced enough in the ICC events.
3. Enough Variations to Upset the Rhythm of the Batters
Arshdeep Singh has a plethora of variations under his belt, which will be beneficial for Gautam Gambhir & Co. in the upcoming series/tournaments. He can swing the ball both ways and often troubles the batters in the power play, evading the opposition of a good start.
Arshdeep Singh is one of the best bowlers in the world 🇮🇳🔥 pic.twitter.com/4cUbn1LU7M
— Pooja Bishnoi (@poojabishnoi36) October 31, 2025
Arshdeep gained prominence due to his toe-crushing yorkers in the IPL and has managed to meet the expectations during his international career. Meanwhile, his slower balls and perfect bouncers have been successful in deceiving the top batters. Hence, Arshdeep Singh dropped could have a significant impact on the Indian team in the 2026 T20 World Cup.
