We're enjoying each others' company - Arshdeep Singh on his equation with Jasprit Bumrah

As the Men in Blue were simply brilliant in defending what was a formidable number on the board against South Africa, Arshdeep Singh played a crucial role in the bowling unit, dealing a double whammy right at the start of the Proteas innings. He sent Quinton de Kock and Tristan Stubbs packing in no time as India got the upper hand from the start of the innings.

Talking in a post-match interview, Arshdeep Singh opened up on his strategy which proved to be effective with the new ball. He also highlighted the pitch conditions which were at play in Cuttack while sharing a special message for Jasprit Bumrah who entered the 100 T20I wickets club, when he registered the crucial scalp of Dewald Brevis.

Shedding light on the conditions and the surface, Arshdeep said, “The thought process is simple: just go there and try to use as much help as there is in the wicket and try to get the team early wickets. I feel like if you were hitting the seam hard, there was something in the wicket, either it was bouncing more or seaming in or out. So the idea was to just hit the seam as hard as possible and get as much purchase off the wicket. I bowled full, got a wicket. Then bowled full, went for a four. Then I knew I had to bowl short, and got a wicket on that. Again bowled full, went for a four. So yeah, I was getting quick reminders there.”

Congratulating Bumrah, Arshdeep added, “Yeah, I just told him (Bumrah), “Welcome.” Congratulated him and told him, “Welcome to the club” (100 T20I wickets). Yes, it makes life very easy for the captain as well. They can play around with the bowling combinations, whenever he wants Jassi (Bumrah) bhai to bowl three in the powerplay or me to bowl three in the powerplay. We just try to give him as much flexibility as possible and we’re enjoying each other’s company.”

Arshdeep concluded by saying, “I mean, I’m just trying to enjoy the present and just have fun. It’s very rare you get to play on these kinds of wickets where there’s seam and swing on offer. So I just try to stay patient, not get too excited seeing help on the wicket, stay disciplined and enjoy whatever is there.”