“Arshdeep Singh's inclusion is essential” - Irfan Pathan lauds Indian team management for including the star pacer in 3rd T20I

Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan praised the Indian team management for including Arshdeep Singh in the 3rd T20I, calling the pacer's inclusion 'essential' after his match-winning performance.

By Jack 04 Nov 2025 in Cricket

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Former Indian all-rounder and commentator Irfan Pathan has lauded the Indian team management for including Arshdeep Singh in the third T20I, which helped the team to bag a comfortable win over Australia in Hobart on Sunday, November 2.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pathan asserted that Arshdeep’s inclusion in the playing XI is essential. Notably, Arshdeep returned with the figures of 3/35 in his four-over spell, turning the game in India's favour.

"Arshdeep was played, and as soon as he was included, he showed why. He has taken 45 wickets in the power play so far. Since his debut, no one has taken more wickets with the new ball in the powerplay than Arshdeep. That's why we've been saying again and again that Arshdeep's inclusion is essential; he is a must. And once again, he showed why," Irfan Pathan said in a video on his YouTube channel.

Furthermore, Irfan asserted that Arshdeep should be a regular in the Indian playing XI without missing any further games, as it could hamper his performances before the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be played in India and Sri Lanka next year.

"Credit to Arshdeep. Even without playing regularly, the way he has performed whenever he's got a chance is commendable. Very well done. Now the hope is that he doesn't get dropped again, that he continues to play in the regular XI. Especially after this performance, there should be absolutely no reason to bench him," he concluded.

While the first T20I ended in a no-result due to rain, Australia bagged a comfortable four-wicket win in the second T20I to take a 1-0 lead in Melbourne. In the third T20I, India made a stronger comeback to register a five-wicket comprehensive win to level the series 1-1. The fourth T20I will be played on Thursday, November 6, at Bill Pippen Oval in Gold Coast.

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