Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has made a clear and decisive call in the ongoing debate surrounding India's fast bowling options, firmly backing left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh over the promising Harshit Rana. Uthappa stated that he would pick Arshdeep in any given situation, emphasizing the unique value the Punjab Kings bowler brings to the national side.
Uthappa's Verdict: Arshdeep's Value Trumps Batting Depth
While speaking on his official YouTube channel, Uthappa acknowledged Harshit Rana's burgeoning talent and the added dimension of his lower-order hitting. However, he argued that this advantage is not significant enough to displace Arshdeep from the playing eleven. "I like Harshit as a bowler; he's immensely talented, but I prefer Arshdeep over Harshit in any circumstances," Uthappa declared.
He elaborated on the batting argument, suggesting the difference is minimal. "As a batter, if Harshit can hit three sixes in ten balls, I think Arshdeep can hit two at this point. What he brings to the table is far more valuable than Harshit at this point," the former World Cup winner explained. For Uthappa, Arshdeep's proven skills with the new ball and at the death in international cricket hold greater weight.
The Eight-Batter, Six-Bowler Formula
Uthappa's preference extends to a specific team balance philosophy for T20 Internationals. He believes the inclusion of all-rounder Axar Patel allows the team to achieve an ideal structure. "Having eight batters is important. And if you have eight batters and six bowlers, that's the sweetest spot where you can stay in the T20I game," he said.
This logic leads him to a tough choice in the spin department. Uthappa rates Axar Patel as a highly underrated bowler. He argued that if conditions demand three spinners, Arshdeep would unfairly miss out, a scenario he dislikes. His radical solution? "I think Arshdeep, irrespective of any wicket, should play. Which means unfortunately, Kuldeep (Yadav) has to be out because Varun (Chakravarthy) is the No.1 T20I bowler in the world." For Uthappa, maintaining the eight-batter, six-bowler balance with Arshdeep in the side is the ultimate blessing for a T20 team.
Speculation on Mohammed Shami's Fitness
Shifting focus to the ODI format, Uthappa also shared his thoughts on the notable exclusion of senior pacer Mohammed Shami from the squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand. He speculated that fitness, not form, is the primary concern for the selectors and the BCCI.
"I think they want him (Shami) to be 100 percent fit. I don't think he's 100 percent fit in my view," Uthappa stated. He pointed to a specific, recurring issue. "The one thing I know is that there is a concern... that his left knee swells. He gets a lot of swelling there, right?"
Uthappa clarified that this was his personal speculation based on observable patterns, as he has not spoken directly to Shami. "I don't know if that is fully addressed, so I think maybe that is it. Again, I don't know. It's my speculation," he concluded, expressing a desire to learn more about the veteran's condition. His comments highlight the management's likely precautionary approach with a key asset ahead of a busy schedule.
