"That Is Why I Am Fighting": R Ashwin Fumes At Gautam Gambhir-Led Managment Over India Star's Snub

Competition for places in the Indian team is severe, and there's no one in the world who denies that. But, both fans and pundits lose their calm when deserving players are unnecessarily benched. Ravichandran Ashwin, an Indian legend and now a pundit, went on an epic rant on social media upon seeing pacer Arshdeep Singh being made to warm the bench in the first and the second ODI against New Zealand. Though there are suggestions that Arshdeep might play the final match of the series, Ashwin thinks the left-arm pacer should be an untouchable figure in the pace bowling unit.

When the Indian team management was asked about the decision to bench Arshdeep, the response was that the likes of Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna needed match practice. But, Ashwin isn't on board with the idea as he feels prolonged periods of warming the bench would make Arshdeep 'rusty'.

"The contest is between the bowlers. For South Africa, you need a hit-the-deck bowler. Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana both need match experience, so I can understand the thinking. But no one is thinking about Arshdeep Singh, who will stand in his shoes and think? This is not about how much he has played and how much he hasn't played," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

"What must he be thinking right now? He has done so much, yet he is still fighting for his spot. Whenever he plays next, he will be rusty. No matter what you say, this is a game of confidence. Why does this happen to the bowlers at all times? It never happens with the batters," he added.

Ashwin Slams Management's Call to Drop Arshdeep

Unfair
Why he did not play the first 2 ODIs?
I am always fighting for him
He deserves the place in Playing XI

- What must he be thinking right now? He has done so much, yet he is still fighting for his spot.… pic.twitter.com/iJGw3auuxT

— AkCricTalks (@AKCricTalks) January 16, 2026

Some suggested that Arshdeep was benched for the first couple of matches against New Zealand as he is to play the upcoming T20 World Cup, starting February 07. But, it also has to be noted that Arshdeep hasn't been an absolute starter for India in the T20 format, since head coach Gautam Gambhir took over.

"I have been in this position, so I know how it is. This is why I am fighting for Arshdeep Singh. Whenever you have given him the ball, he has performed for you. Allow him to walk into the playing XI with his head held high. He deserves this boss," said Ashwin.

"Now people are saying he will play the third ODI. What is the point? He didn't play the first two ODIs, and why did that happen? What will that do to his confidence?" he added.

Topics mentioned in this article

India Cricket Team New Zealand Cricket Team Arshdeep Singh Ravichandran Ashwin Gautam Gambhir India vs New Zealand 2026 Cricket