Indian fast bowler Arshdeep Singh revealed that his cheeky celebration after dismissing Kyle Jamieson during the first ODI against New Zealand was dedicated to his girlfriend. The left-arm pacer explained the personal meaning behind the dance gesture during an interview at the innings break in Auckland.
India captain Shubman Gill elected to bowl after rain delayed the toss by 20 minutes and play by 10 minutes. The visitors relied on four specialist pacers, including Arshdeep and Gurnoor Brar. New Zealand were bowled out for 185, despite a late lower-order partnership that added valuable runs.
Arshdeep Singh Reveals Meaning Behind Celebration After Dismissing Kyle Jamieson
Arshdeep Singh dismissed Jamieson in the 32nd over to claim his third wicket of the innings. He delivered a hard-length ball that angled towards middle stump. Jamieson moved onto his front foot and attempted to drive with an open bat face but sliced the ball towards extra cover.
Virat Kohli, who had earlier taken a spectacular one-handed catch, made no mistake with the regulation opportunity. Jamieson departed for one off six deliveries, and New Zealand lost their eighth wicket. Arshdeep followed the dismissal with a cheeky dance gesture.
Speaking to the broadcasters during the innings break, Arshdeep explained that the celebration was a personal gesture he shares with his girlfriend. The left-arm pacer was also asked about his favourite dismissal of the day.
"That was for my girlfriend. It's a little dance step that we do when we're out walking or spending time together. Whenever either of us is feeling a little low, we cheer each other up with that celebration, so this one was for her."
"My favourite would have been the fifth one, which I didn't get! So, I'm still searching for it.
Arshdeep gets Jamieson, and adds another celebration to his ever-growing collection! 😂 Watch the HERO VIDA India Tour of New Zealand 1st ODI, LIVE NOW on Sony Sports Network TV channels, Sony LIV & Sony Vizha. #SonySportsNetwork #SonyLIV #SonyVizha #NZvIND https://t.co/GvQa8ukMcm
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'It's Always a Pleasure to Bowl When There's Some Life' - Arshdeep Singh on Auckland Conditions
Arshdeep Singh was pleased with the assistance available to the Indian bowlers at Eden Park. After playing on flatter surfaces in the subcontinent, he enjoyed bowling in conditions that offered movement and bounce. He also credited the wind for helping the seamers.
"I'm loving the conditions here. After coming from the subcontinent, it's always a pleasure to bowl when there's some life in the wickets. There's good assistance from the surface, and the wind is helping as well."
"I felt there was something in the wicket, so we were trying to hit the seam hard and get some assistance from the surface. We also tried a few shots off the length, and that brought us wickets."
'We Got a Bit Greedy Towards the End' - Arshdeep Singh on New Zealand's Late Fightback
New Zealand's middle and lower order continued to lose wickets as India maintained pressure. Phillips scored 30 off 51 deliveries at No. 6 but struggled to find support from the other end. Arshdeep dismissed him in the 36th over to claim his fourth wicket, leaving the hosts in further trouble.
However, No. 11 Blair Tickner scored an aggressive 34 off 23 balls, including four sixes. He added 39 runs with Jacob Duffy before Brar dismissed him in the 41st over. KL Rahul completed the catch behind the stumps as New Zealand were bowled out for 185. Arshdeep finished with figures of 4/70.
Speaking about the final-wicket partnership and India's approach towards the end of the innings, Arshdeep Singh admitted that the bowlers tried too hard to take wickets instead of sticking to their plans.
"I'd say we were a little greedy and were trying too hard to get wickets. We just needed to back what we had been doing throughout the innings. The wickets would have come, but we got a bit greedy towards the end. I think it's a decent total. We just need to bat according to the conditions and see it through."
