‘They are not considering him for ODIs at all’ – Aakash Chopra surprised with Arshdeep Singh’s inclusion in Asian Games squad

Aakash Chopra and Arshdeep Singh. (Photo Source: Twitter)

The BCCI announced a 15-member squad for the Asian Games, which is set to take place from September 23 to October 8. Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra was not impressed with Arshdeep Singh’s selection for the Asian Games 2022, opining that the selectors may not be considering him for the upcoming 50-over World Cup.

Chopra shared his worries about the Indian team’s selection for the upcoming Asian Games and was surprised to see Arshdeep’s name in the squad. The Asian Games 2022 will be played in T20I format, whereas the 2023 ODI World Cup is set to overlap with the event, starting on October 5.

“I am surprised Arshdeep Singh’s name is in this team. I am surprised because they are not considering him for ODIs at all. You didn’t consider him for the T20Is as well in the West Indies,” said Chopra on his YouTube channel.

“Now you are not considering him for the Asia Cup and are already keeping him out of the World Cup list. What has happened? When I see Arshdeep Singh, it seems like there is a huge upside, he is a player for the long haul and can play all three formats, at least both white-ball formats, but they have not kept him currently,” he further added.

The fiery left-arm pacer stood out in his last T20 World Cup performance in Australia, where he ended as India’s leading wicket-taker in the tournament. Soon after the T20 World Cup, he played three ODIs in New Zealand but didn’t pick up a wicket. After that white-ball series, Arshdeep failed to make the cut to India’s squad in the 50-over format.

Is Umran Malik that player who the Indian team is thinking about?: Chopra

“Maybe you are thinking Bumrah, Shami and everyone will be fit there. Bumrah, Shami, Siraj – who will be the fourth one? That will be a question. Arshdeep or Mukesh Kumar could have been there, but they are not there. So is Umran Malik that player who the Indian team is thinking about because you will need a fourth pacer?” the ex-India opener concluded.

The 2023 ODI World Cup is set to take place in India. Chopra has a valid point considering the vacant post of the fourth pacer, but it might be a possibility that the selectors are backing Hardik Pandya to play that role. Conclusively, the selection of new faces for the Asian Games will eventually have an impact on India’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad.