Why is Arshdeep Singh not playing the first T20I against Australia?

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Why is Arshdeep Singh not playing the first T20 match against Australia?: The exciting five-match T20 series between India and Australia has begun. However, the Indian team's playing 11 in the first match surprised cricket fans. Arshdeep Singh, one of India's most successful T20 bowlers, was not included in the squad. Young fast bowler Harshit Rana replaced Arshdeep. This decision has caused uproar, and fans have targeted both the team management and former cricketer Gautam Gambhir.

Record-breaking bowler still out of 1st T20I: Arshdeep's T20 record

Arshdeep Singh has an impressive record in the T20 format, which is why his exclusion is bothering everyone.

• 101 wickets: Arshdeep Singh has 101 wickets in T20s.
• 65 matches: He has played 65 T20 International matches so far.

Despite such a strong record, when he was not included in the playing XI, it is natural to question why the team management decided to bench him.

Team management's decision and Harshit Rana's Entry

The team management decided to leave Arshdeep Singh out of the first T20 match and gave Harshit Rana a chance in his place. The strategy behind this decision is unclear.

Pressure of past performance?

Arshdeep Singh was previously dropped from the third ODI, where Harshit Rana replaced him. In that match, Harshit performed brilliantly, taking four wickets. It's possible that this recent impressive performance may have prompted the team management to give him another chance in the T20 match as well.

Also Read: Australia won the toss and bowled first: IND vs AUS Confirmed Playing 11

Public reaction to Arshdeep Singh not being included in the playing XI

As soon as Harshit Rana's name appeared in the playing XI in place of Arshdeep Singh, fans' anger erupted on social media. Many fans started blaming former cricketer Gautam Gambhir for this decision.

• Allegations of favoritism: Many fans have accused Gautam Gambhir of playing his "favorite bowler."
• Allegations of ruining careers: One fan even wrote that Gautam Gambhir is ruining the bowler's career.
• Priyank Panchal's tweet: Former cricketer Priyank Panchal also expressed surprise at this decision. He wrote, "Very few countries would leave their best T20 batsman out of the playing XI, especially with the T20 World Cup just four months away. Arshdeep Singh should be treated fairly."

Fans believe that with the T20 World Cup just around the corner, leaving India's best T20 bowler out could be detrimental to the team.

The number of countries that’d leave their highest wicket taker in a format out of the XI so consistently with a World Cup coming up in four months is very limited. Arshdeep deserves better treatment. #AUSvIND

— Priyank Panchal (@PKpanchal09) October 29, 2025

It will be interesting to see whether the team management includes Arshdeep Singh back in the playing XI for the upcoming matches or relies on Harshit Rana.

Also Read: How to Watch IND vs AUS T20 Match FREE, TV and Mobile, Live Streaming

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