'Some days it comes off well, some days it...': Arshdeep Singh on death bowling

Arshdeep Singh , a young and talented left-arm seamer, continues to impress with his bowling prowess. He credits his success to his ability to stay composed under pressure and focus on the basics.

Arshdeep's exceptional ability to bowl accurate yorkers at high speeds has made him a death-overs specialist. In 58 T20I matches since his debut in 2022, he has already claimed 89 wickets at an impressive average of just over 18.

When asked about his approach to bowling in the death overs, Arshdeep emphasized the importance of adaptability.

“My plans depend on the conditions, the wickets, what kind of situations we are faced with, whether we need wickets or we contain the flow of runs... Depends on them,” Arshdeep said on Tuesday when asked about his death-overs bowling.

He acknowledges that death bowling can be unpredictable, with both successes and setbacks.

“Death bowling some days it comes off well, some days it will not. We have to be level-headed, not think too much about death bowling because when you have two overs in the beginning, and two overs in the end, you have a lot at stake, you can make a game, and the game can also slip from your grasp. I just try to keep things simple, not complicate them, and look to fulfil the team's needs,” the fast bowler said.

While Arshdeep's bowling abilities are undeniable, he remains committed to improving all aspects of his game, particularly his batting.

“As long as the wicket is flat and bowlers are medium pace, I love it, love a half volley from a spinner, but yes, I am trying my best to contribute with the bat as well whenever I get a chance, and even in the nets I challenge myself and see how I can improve in all three aspects of the game."

“So it's always been the idea, as a team how we can do in all three aspects of the game. It's the same for me personally as well - how I can improve.” he added.

Arshdeep acknowledges the valuable experience of sharing the dressing room with cricketing legends, particularly Jasprit Bumrah .

“I just try to enjoy the present, have fun on the field and off the field, that's been my mantra... to see and to play along with the legends of the game and to learn from them, how to prepare mentally and physically. That's where I feel I have grown, just trying to learn from wherever I can and to do well for the team.

“I have said before as well that I have got a really good bowling partner in Jassi (Bumrah) bhai, he has helped me enormously in taking a lot of wickets by creating pressure at the other end, so a lot of credit goes to him as well."

“But the main thing is how well I can adapt to the conditions, the situations of the game, how I can attack the batsmen early on by taking some wickets, and even at the death, how well can I outsmart the thinking of the batsmen and bring the game back in our control.”

Arshdeep spoke highly of T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav 's leadership, highlighting his exceptional mental strength.

“The way he controls his emotions, the way he manages his highs and lows, he is so strong mentally irrespective of whether he is having a good day or a bad day.”

Looking ahead to the upcoming match against South Africa, Arshdeep shared his insights on the Proteas' vulnerabilities against spin bowling.

“They are struggling against spinners, so the aim is to contain them early on and give a good platform to the spinners, so that they can attack the South African batters and take their wickets.”