India's Bowling Coach Discusses Strategy Behind Arshdeep Singh's Rest and Injury Updates

India's bowling coach Morne Morkel has shed light on the decision to rest star bowler Arshdeep Singh during the initial T20 matches against Australia, emphasizing the team's strategy to explore various combinations. Following his return, Arshdeep showcased his skills by taking three wickets in the third T20I, earning the Player of the Match title. Additionally, updates on Nitish Kumar Reddy's injury reveal ongoing recovery challenges. As the series stands at 1-1, the upcoming fourth T20I promises to be an exciting encounter.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 5, 2025, 15:17 IST

Strategic Rest for Arshdeep Singh

Morne Morkel, the bowling coach for India, elaborated on the decision to rest left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh, who is the team's leading wicket-taker in T20 cricket, during the initial two matches against Australia. He emphasized that the team's strategy is to explore various bowling options while considering long-term goals.

Arshdeep's Impressive Comeback

After sitting out the first two T20Is, Arshdeep made a remarkable return in the third match, claiming three wickets in four overs while conceding 35 runs. His performance included two wickets during the powerplay and one in the death overs, earning him the Player of the Match accolade.

Morkel on Team Dynamics

During a pre-match press conference, Morkel stated, "Arshdeep is a seasoned player who recognizes the broader strategy of testing different combinations. He is invaluable to our team, especially in the powerplay, but we also need to assess other options during this tour."

He acknowledged that team selection can be challenging for players but highlighted the necessity of experimenting with combinations ahead of the T20 World Cup. Morkel noted, "It's not an easy process, and there can be disappointment regarding selections. However, we encourage players to stay focused and prepared for their opportunities. With limited matches before the World Cup, it's essential to observe how players perform under pressure to gauge their capabilities."

Injury Update on Nitish Kumar Reddy

In a related update, promising all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has been ruled out of the first three T20Is against Australia due to fitness issues, as confirmed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Reddy, who was recovering from a left quadriceps injury sustained during the second ODI in Adelaide, has now reported neck spasms that have hindered his recovery.

Morkel provided insights into Reddy's condition, stating, "He has completed all necessary training activities today, including fielding, batting, and bowling. We will assess his condition further to determine his status."

Upcoming Match Details

India and Australia are set to face off in the fourth T20I at Carrara Oval in Queensland on Thursday, November 6. The series is currently tied at 1-1 after the first match in Canberra was affected by rain.

Team Squads

Australia: Tim David, Matthew Short, Mitchell Marsh (c), Mitchell Owen, Marcus Stoinis, Josh Inglis, Josh Philippe, Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Adam Zampa, Tanveer Sangha, Mahli Beardman.

India: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Abhishek Sharma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Jitesh Sharma, Sanju Samson, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy.