WI vs IND: Arshdeep Singh on the four-run loss in the first T20I: “We needed one batter to stay until the end”

Arshdeep Singh, the left-arm fast-bowler from India, acknowledged that their team needed a batsman to stay until the end of the innings to avoid losing the T20I series opener against West Indies at the Brian Lara Cricket Stadium.

India was chasing a target of 150 but could only manage 145 for nine, despite needing 37 runs off 29 balls at one stage. Even though they required ten runs in the last over, they couldn’t get the needed runs, resulting in a 0-1 deficit in the five-game series. The next T20I will be played against West Indies at the Providence Stadium in Guyana on Sunday.

Arshdeep stated that they would review the match to identify areas for improvement. He emphasized the need for better performance in both the first innings, where they could have kept things tight with the ball, and the second innings, where they missed the finishing touch. The team required one batter to stay until the end since the opposition had five fielders inside the 30-yard circle in the last two overs.

In the 19th over of India’s chase, Arshdeep scored two fours before being run out for 12. He believed that any player in such a situation would try to win the match for the team, fueled by the motivation of playing for their country. Arshdeep, Kuldeep, and Chahal discussed the available options to amass runs, but they fell short in the end.

When asked if India’s batting lineup, ending at number seven and the tail starting from number eight, was a concern, Arshdeep disagreed. He expressed confidence in the playing eleven and said that they always back the selected players, whether it’s a team with six bowlers or nine.

Despite the defeat, India had a bright spot in Tilak Varma, who made an impressive debut. Varma showcased his talent with two superb catches and a top-scoring 39 runs off 22 balls, including two fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 177.27. Arshdeep praised Varma’s performance and believed he would contribute significantly to the team in the future.

Arshdeep stressed the importance of consistency and minimizing mistakes in international cricket. He acknowledged that the Indian Premier League (IPL) provides a high level of play, but to excel at the international level, players must maintain consistency and deliver their best performance, regardless of the opposition.