India left-arm fast bowler Arshdeep Singh was not included in the playing XI for the first ODI against New Zealand in Vadodara on Sunday, January 11. His absence caught many by surprise, and former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was among those who expressed shock at Arshdeep being left out of the opener.
Arshdeep played all three matches of Team India’s last ODI series against South Africa at home in December 2025. The young fast bowler took five wickets as India won the series 2-1. He, who made his ODI debut back in November 2022, has made an impact whenever given chances in the 50-over format for India.
India Pick Three Pacers, Three Spinners as Arshdeep Singh Misses Out in First ODI
India went with a bowling-heavy combination in the first ODI, picking three fast bowlers and three spinners in the playing XI. The pace attack featured Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, and Prasidh Krishna. For spin, the team selected Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Washington Sundar.
Captain Shubman Gill won the toss and chose to field first, but he did not explain why Arshdeep Singh was left out of the XI. The decision surprised many, especially given Arshdeep’s recent form.
Without Arshdeep taking the new ball, India struggled to make an early impact. New Zealand’s openers started confidently and built a steady opening stand. Siraj and Rana shared the new ball, but they could not find a breakthrough in the early overs.
India later brought on Prasidh Krishna as the third seamer. Despite using three fast bowlers, the home side found it difficult to slow down the scoring or take wickets early.
Resting Someone Shouldn’t Be After He Gets Picked – Ravichandran Ashwin on Arshdeep Singh Exclusion
Ravichandran Ashwin reacted on social media after Arshdeep Singh was left out of the first ODI, questioning the idea of calling it “rest.” He said that resting a player should happen before selection, like in Jasprit Bumrah’s case, not after making the squad.
Ashwin added that dropping a player after selection breaks continuity and can affect rhythm and performance, suggesting such decisions may hurt a bowler’s confidence and form.
“Resting someone shouldn’t be after he gets in the squad.😂😂 Resting means he gets rested like Bumrah. The lack of continuity can impact rythm and hence performance.🤝,” Ashwin wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Resting someone shouldn’t be after he gets in the squad.😂😂
Resting means he gets rested like Bumrah.
The lack of continuity can impact rythm and hence performance.🤝 https://t.co/RFmu9pmAMM
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) January 11, 2026
Arshdeep Singh Entered Series in Strong Form
Arshdeep Singh came into the series in good form. The fast bowler played two matches in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he took five wickets against Sikkim and followed it up with two wickets against Goa.
Before that, he featured in four T20Is against South Africa and picked up five wickets. In the ODI series against the same opponent, Arshdeep played all three matches. In the final ODI, Prasidh Krishna and Kuldeep Yadav took four wickets each, which appeared to help Prasidh earn a place in the XI.
Despite missing out on the first ODI, Arshdeep’s overall ODI record remains strong. He has played 14 matches for India in the format and has taken 22 wickets at an average below 25 and an economy rate of 5.29.
Also read: Shubman Gill prays to God and India instantly win toss vs NZ in Vadodara; video breaks internet
