Arshdeep Singh takes sly dig at Gautam Gambhir with cryptic Instagram story after being dropped from T20I XI

Team India fast bowler Arshdeep Singh shared a cryptic post following the second T20I match against Australia, which took place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday, October 31. Notably, the Punjab-born cricketer has been left out of India’s playing XI for the first two matches against Australia.

India were dismissed for just 125 inside 19 overs after being asked to bat first. Josh Hazlewood was the pick of the bowlers for Australia with three wickets. In reply, Mitchell Marsh scored 46 runs from 26 deliveries, and Australia crossed the finish line in 13.2 overs, securing a comfortable four-wicket win.

Arshdeep Singh Has Not Been the First-Choice Pacer in India’s Playing XI

Arshdeep Singh has not been the first-choice pacer in India’s playing XI in recent months, including during the 2025 Asia Cup, where the team preferred additional spin options and greater batting depth.

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Despite being India’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is, the left-arm seamer has featured in only five matches this year. He has taken six wickets at an average of 29.17 and an economy rate of 8.90, with best figures of 2/17.

He was last seen in action during the ODI series against Australia, playing the first two games before struggling with cramps in the second ODI at Adelaide. He did not make it into the playing XI for the final match at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Arshdeep Singh's Cryptic Post Sparks Speculation Ahead of 3rd T20I

Arshdeep Singh added fuel to the ongoing discussion about his absence from the playing XI. He shared an Instagram post reading, “Whatever kind of seeds you plant, you will harvest the same result.”

The timing of the post raised eyebrows, with many interpreting it as a subtle expression of dissatisfaction toward the current selection decisions made under head coach Gautam Gambhir.

Arshdeep Singh cooked Gautam Gambhir with his Instagram story.😭🔥 pic.twitter.com/xyC0deVtL7

— Rohan💫 (@rohann__45) November 1, 2025

Arshdeep is India’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is, with 101 scalps in 65 matches. The third T20I between India and Australia will take place in Hobart on Sunday, November 2. Another defeat would end their chances of staging a comeback and winning the five-match contest.

Arshdeep Singh’s Omission from India’s Lineup Raises Serious Questions

Arshdeep’s omission from India’s lineup has raised serious questions. The 26-year-old was overlooked for Harshit Rana in both matches. Rana, with only a handful of T20Is to his name, was preferred ahead of an experienced and proven performer, a decision that surprised fans and experts alike.

The criticism intensified after India suffered a four-wicket defeat in the second T20I in Melbourne. Gautam Gambhir has shown a tendency to back Rana even in past ODI selections, where senior pacers like Mohammed Shami were sidelined.

With three games left in the series, it will be interesting to see whether Arshdeep will be recalled to the playing XI. His recent social media post has only fueled the debate, adding more scrutiny to India’s selection strategy and the handling of one of their most reliable T20 bowlers.

Also read: IPL Chairman all but confirms Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli will play till 2027 World Cup