Why Arshdeep Singh is Not Playing Today in IND vs NZ 3rd T20I?

The Indian Cricket team is aiming to seal the five-match T20I series against New Zealand as the two teams come face-to-face in the 3rd T20I at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati, on Sunday, January 25.

The Men in Blue are currently leading the series 2-0 after winning the first two matches quite comfortably. However, during the toss, the India skipper Suryakumar Yadav confirmed two changes as Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakravarthy are not playing.

Why Arshdeep Singh is Not Playing Today?

India's star pacer Arshdeep Singh hasn't been included in the playing XI for the third T20I in Guwahati. Suryakumar Yadav confirmed during the toss that Arshdeep has been rested to manage workload ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Notably, the left-arm seamer was quite expensive during the last match as he leaked 53 runs in his four overs without taking a single wicket. Jasprit Bumrah has been named Arshdeep Singh replacement for the IND vs NZ 3rd T20I. He didn't play the second match but will be back on the field again.

Bumrah was rested for the second T20I, in which Arshdeep and Harshit played as the frontline pacers. Being the best bowler in the world, he will be key to India defending the T20 World Cup title this year.

Arshdeep Singh's Recent Form in T20Is

Arshdeep Singh, India's star bowler, has established himself as one of the best T20 bowlers in the world. His ability to swing the ball early and bowl yorkers in the death overs has helped him take wickets consistently. However, he hasn't been at his best in this series so far. He picked up a solitary wicket in the first match and went for 53 runs in four overs in the next game.

However, the left-arm quick has been a key part of India's T20I set-up. He became the first Indian bowler to take 100 wickets in T20Is, in 64 games. He is also the fastest pacer to do so. Overall, in 74 games, he has taken 111 wickets at an average of 19.49. His best bowling figures are 4/9, that he picked up against the USA in the T20 World Cup 2024.

During that edition, Arshdeep claimed 17 wickets at an economy of 7.16 and emerged as the joint-highest wicket-taker of the tournament. His rise in international cricket has been consistent and evident to the fans. Hence, he has cemented his place in the T20Is. With the T20 World Cup coming up, his presence can make a difference for the Men in Blue.