"I will go up regardless of whatever you say" - Arshdeep Singh confident about batting after facing Pakistan pacers in T20 World Cup 2024
Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh has revealed that he convinced the team management to send him to bat at No. 9 ahead of Jasprit Bumrah during their T20 World Cup encounter against Pakistan in New York (June 9). Arshdeep made a valuable contribution of nine runs off 13 balls to help India reach 119 before being bowled out.
The left-arm pacer has gained immense confidence from facing the Pakistan speedsters and being able to score runs off their bowling. He claimed that he would be willing to walk out to bat at No. 9 every time the opportunity arises.
Speaking to reporters after India's win over the USA on Wednesday, June 12, here's what Arshdeep Singh had to say about his batting against Pakistan:
"Jassi Bhai (Bumrah) was supposed to go before me, but I just went in after asking Rohit. They were surprised with it, but now I told them I will go up regardless of whatever you say. I will go at nine because I faced the quickest bowlers in the last game. So yeah, that's the plan now. I am very confident about my batting. And be it fielding or bowling, you just try to keep getting better."
Arshdeep has been working hard in the nets with batting coach Vikram Rathour. He also shed light on the importance of constantly improving across all three departments.
Arshdeep Singh on his T20I career-best spell
Arshdeep Singh won the Player of the Match award for his brilliant figures of 4/9 against the USA. He also became the first-ever Indian bowler to take a wicket on the first ball of a T20 World Cup match.
Here's what the left-arm pacer had to say about the New York pitch and his plans:
"The plan was simple, pitch it in the wicket and let the ball do the talking. Do not give easy balls to score, our batsmen are also facing difficulties to score runs. The plan was to hit the hard lengths. In conditions like this, you can use the wicket more."
India have already qualified for the Super 8 phase and will face Canada in their final Group A game in Florida on Saturday, June 15.