Arshdeep Singh jokes about being in and out of India’s T20I XI under coach Gambhir

Arshdeep Singh reacts to being in and out of India's T20I XI. [Source - BCCI.tv]

India began their T20 World Cup 2026 preparations on a dominant note with a convincing 48-run win over New Zealand in 1st T20I in Nagpur. A mammoth 238 set the tone, and despite the batters grabbing headlines, the bowlers ensured control in a high-scoring contest.

While the batters powered India to a daunting total, Arshdeep Singh quietly played a key role in defending it. The left-arm pacer conceded just 31 runs in his four overs and struck in the very first over, removing Devon Conway to put New Zealand on the back foot early.

After the win, Arshdeep Singh attended the post-match press conference, where attention shifted to his frequent movement in and out of the team since Gautam Gambhir took charge. His light-hearted and mature response once again reflected a player comfortable with his role and mindset.

Arshdeep Singh reacts to being in and out of India's T20I XI

Despite being India’s leading T20I wicket-taker, Arshdeep Singh has struggled to cement a permanent place under the current management. In 2025, the left-arm pacer featured in only 12 of the 21 T20Is India played.

His limited opportunities were clearly noticeable, especially during the Asia Cup, where he played just two of seven matches. When asked if the constant in-and-out of the playing XI affected him, the left-arm pacer responded in his usual light-hearted manner.

“There is a good thing in being in and out of the team. Like the way I’m being in and out of the team, my ball is also coming in and going out,” Arshdeep said.

Arshdeep answered with a smile and humour, comparing his team selection to his swinging deliveries, showing he is calm, positive and not bothered by being in and out of the side, only focused on doing his job when picked.

Arshdeep focuses on being game-ready, not selection

Rather than being affected by the selection calls, Arshdeep has chosen a professional approach of focusing more on his preparation and adaptability, whenever the team needs him.

“My job is to remain ready, so that I can give my best. My aim is to enjoy the journey, remain in the present and focus on the controllable. What is not in my control, I should not be bothered about it," Arshdeep added.

That mindset has helped the 26-year-old stay calm through uncertainty and continue delivering impactful performances with the ball. This has clearly highlighted how much Arshdeep is more invested in performance and process than external noise.

Why Arshdeep Singh remains India’s T20I banker

Arshdeep’s absence from India’s T20I X feels strange given how complete he is as a bowler. He swings the new ball, reverses it later, uses the wobble seam well and stays calm at the death, making him extremely reliable.

With 111 T20I wickets at an average of 19.01 and a strike rate of 13.5, he regularly strikes early and closes games out. His control under pressure makes him a clear first-choice pick in India’s T20 setup.