India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel has opened up about the decision to bench Arshdeep Singh who is team’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is for the first two matches against Australia. Morkel explained that the move was a strategic plan to test the different combinations as the management is focusing on a bigger picture ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Despite being benched in the last two games, Arshdeep Singh made a solid comeback in the third T20I as he delivered a match-winning performance – taking three wickets and winning the Player of the Match award.
Morkel admitted that team selection are not always easy for the players but he insisted that the management’s goal is to see how the bowlers will soak in pressure and perform during the situation.
“Arshdeep is experienced. He understands that there is also a bigger picture where we are trying different combinations. He is a world-class bowler and has taken the most wickets for us in the power play, so we know how valuable he is to the team. But for us on the day, on this tour, it is also to have a look at other combinations, and he understands that.”
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“It is not easy. There will always be disappointment in terms of players and selection, but that is something that, at times, is uncontrollable for a player. From our side, we encourage them to work hard, try their best, and be prepared for when they do get the opportunity. With limited games leading up to the T20 World Cup, it is crucial for us to see how players react in certain situations under pressure; otherwise, we will be unsure of their capabilities. It is a bit of playing those sorts of games and then still having the mindset to win the game quicker,” Morkel added.
