Arshdeep Singh returned to India’s playing XI with a statement performance, delivering a decisive three-wicket spell that guided India to a five-wicket win over Australia in the third T20I at Hobart on Sunday. His early breakthroughs set the tone for India, who went on to successfully chase 187 with nine balls to spare, levelling the five-match series 1-1.
Having been left out of the first two matches in favour of an extra batting option, Arshdeep answered every question surrounding his omission. With the new ball, he removed Travis Head for 6 and Josh Inglis for 1 in his first two overs, swinging the ball late and forcing Australia onto the back foot at 14 for 2. He returned at the death to dismiss Marcus Stoinis, finishing with figures of 3 for 35 and earning Player of the Match.
Speaking after the match, Arshdeep said he enjoys bowling when batters look to attack. “When someone is coming hard at you, there’s always a chance to pick up wickets,” Arshdeep said. “And when someone like Bumrah is bowling from the other end, batters take more risks against me. That gives me wicket-taking opportunities.”
He added that his focus remains on keeping his execution simple regardless of match situation. “Powerplay or death, I stick to what I’ve practised and stay calm. I just enjoy my bowling.”
The decision to bench Arshdeep in earlier matches had raised eyebrows, especially given he remains India’s most consistent wicket-taker in the format. His performance on Sunday underlined his value in the attack, easing pressure on head coach Gautam Gambhir and the team management.
Australia, however, rebuilt strongly. Tim David’s explosive 74 off 38 and Stoinis’ measured 64 off 39 lifted the hosts to 186 for 6. David was especially dominant straight down the ground, surviving a dropped chance on 20 before accelerating into top gear. Varun Chakravarthy’s back-to-back strikes against Mitchell Marsh and Matt Owen offered India a brief grip, but David’s power-hitting ensured Australia crossed 180.
India’s chase was steady and clinical. Contributions came from multiple hands: Abhishek Sharma (25 off 16), Suryakumar Yadav (24 off 11), Tilak Varma (29 off 26), and Axar Patel (17 off 12). The finishing touch, however, was provided by Washington Sundar, whose unbeaten 49 off 23 balls shifted momentum decisively.
Jitesh Sharma, playing his first match of the series, supported him with an unbeaten 22 off 12 as India crossed the line in the 19th over. With Josh Hazlewood absent, Australia’s attack lacked control at critical stages, despite Nathan Ellis’ disciplined 3 for 36.
The series now moves to the Gold Coast for the fourth T20I on November 6, with momentum firmly back in India’s corner and Arshdeep Singh back at the centre of the conversation.