Former Australian captain Aaron Finch has strongly advocated for Arshdeep Singh’s immediate return to India’s playing eleven for the third T20I against Australia. Following India’s four-wicket loss in the second T20I at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Finch expressed his surprise if the left-arm pacer isn’t reinstated for the upcoming match in Hobart. Finch highlighted the challenges India faced with their batting lineup, particularly after a top-order collapse orchestrated by Josh Hazlewood’s impressive 3-13 spell. Despite Abhishek Sharma’s defiant 68, India was bundled out for 125 in 18.4 overs, a target Australia comfortably chased. “Arshdeep Singh should be in the team. I’d be very surprised if he doesn’t make it back for the next game,” Finch stated, emphasizing that an over-reliance on batters can dilute individual responsibility. He also commented on India’s bowling performance, noting that while Jasprit Bumrah started strongly, the overall defense was hampered by insufficient runs. “There just weren’t enough runs on the board for the bowlers to defend,” he observed. Finch lauded Abhishek Sharma’s composed 68 but pointed out potential issues with strike rotation during his partnership with the lower order, suggesting this is an area India might re-evaluate.
