New Delhi: India pacer Arshdeep Singh recently issued a light-hearted apology to veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin after placing him last in a personal ranking of bowlers during an interview. The remark, made in a casual and humorous context, quickly caught the attention of cricket fans.
Speaking during an interaction on a YouTube channel, Arshdeep was asked to rank five Indian bowlers based on their skills and impact. While sharing his list, the left-arm pacer emphasised that his choices were influenced by personal preference and playing experience.
Ranking of bowlers sparks playful apology
Arshdeep placed Bhuvneshwar Kumar at the top of his list, describing him as his personal favourite. He admitted that his choice was slightly biased, adding that he greatly admires Bhuvneshwar’s swing bowling and consistency.
At number two, he named Mohammed Shami, praising his ability to seam the ball effectively across different conditions. According to Arshdeep, Shami’s control over seam position makes him a standout fast bowler.
The third spot went to Kuldeep Yadav, whom he credited for possessing a rare skill set as a left-arm wrist spinner. Yuzvendra Chahal was placed fourth, with Arshdeep highlighting his impressive wicket-taking record and their association as teammates in domestic cricket.
However, when it came to naming the fifth bowler, Arshdeep placed Ravichandran Ashwin at the bottom of the list. Aware of how it might be perceived, he immediately clarified that the ranking was not a reflection of Ashwin’s abilities.
“Sorry, Ash bhai”: Arshdeep
In a candid and humorous tone, Arshdeep said he did not intend to rank Ashwin last but ran out of positions. He acknowledged Ashwin’s stature in Indian cricket and expressed respect for his achievements.
The pacer also revealed a personal connection, noting that Ashwin had been his first captain in the Indian Premier League (IPL) during his stint with Punjab. He ended his remarks with a playful apology, saying he would message Ashwin personally to explain the situation.
Recent form and international outings
Arshdeep was last seen in action during India’s ODI series against England, where the team, led by Shubman Gill, suffered a 2-1 series defeat. The deciding match proved challenging for the pacer, as he conceded 72 runs without taking a wicket.
Prior to that, India had a difficult T20I series against England, losing four matches, with one game washed out due to rain. Despite the team’s struggles, Arshdeep emerged as India’s leading wicket-taker in the series, finishing with four wickets.
Break and upcoming assignments
Following the England tour, Arshdeep has been rested for the ongoing T20I series against Zimbabwe. The Indian team registered a clean sweep in that series under the captaincy of Shreyas Iyer, marking a successful outing for the side.
Meanwhile, India is preparing for a two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, scheduled to begin on August 15. Arshdeep, who is primarily a white-ball specialist, is not part of the Test setup at present.
Conclusion
Arshdeep Singh’s remarks reflect the camaraderie within the Indian cricket team, where even competitive comparisons are often taken in good spirit. His apology to Ravichandran Ashwin, delivered with humour and respect, highlights the mutual admiration shared among players. As the pacer looks ahead to future assignments, fans will be keen to see him continue his development as a key figure in India’s limited-overs setup.