'I Had to Appeal a Lot': Arshdeep Singh Reveals His Strategy in 3rd ODI vs South Africa

Arshdeep Singh picked up four wickets to earn a resounding victory against South Africa in the third ODI. His sensational figures of 4/30 guided Team India to a 78-run win against the Proteas. The left-arm pacer was also adjudged player of the series having claimed 10 wickets in three ODIs. Following the conclusion of the ODI series, Arshdeep revealed his strategy against South Africa.

“The plan was simple, it was to bowl wicket-to-wicket and get lbws and bowled. Sometimes when there isn’t anything happening on the wicket, you need some support from the umpires, that’s why I had to appeal a lot,” Arshdeep said during the post-match presentation ceremony.

Arshdeep also gave credit to the Indian Premier League (IPL) for offering the young players a much-needed platform.

“The IPL has been a very good platform for us youngsters, there isn’t a big gap between IPL and international cricket. You understand the mindset of international cricketers and it helps. We are all loving the chances we’ve got. We’d love to give our all in the future as well and do well,” he said.

Arshdeep had kicked off the ODI series against South Africa on a sublime note having registered a five-wicket haul. With this, he became the first Indian pacer to scalp five wickets against South Africa on their home soil. This was also Arshdeep’s maiden five-wicket haul in international cricket. His prolific bowling helped Team India in winning the opening ODI by eight wickets.

Arshdeep claimed one more wicket in the next match but India failed to win the second ODI. Chasing a total of 212, the Aiden Markram-led side scored the winning runs with 45 balls to spare.

Team India scripted a prompt comeback and produced a stunning performance in the final ODI to seal the series against South Africa. Batting first, the visitors posted a formidable total of 296 at the Boland Park in Paarl. Sanju Samson played a fine knock of 108 in the final ODI.

South Africa, during the run chase, lost their first wicket having put up 59 runs on the board. It was Arshdeep Singh who emerged as India’s rescuer. Avesh Khan and Washington Sundar also supported Arshdeep nicely by claiming two wickets each.