"Sorry, Axar Bhai": Arshdeep Singh's Honest Apology After India's Win vs West Indies In Third T20I

Arshdeep Singh apologised to Axar Patel over run-out.© X (formerly Twitter)

Arshdeep Singh apologised to Axar Patel after a run-out that resulted in the latter's dismissal during India's third T20I match against West Indies in Indore on Sunday. On the first ball of the 19th over of India's innings, Axar hit the ball to the right of the cover-point fielder, and Arshdeep convinced him to steal a single that was never there. After a mix-up in the middle, Axar failed to make it to the other end in time and lost his wicket.

"I would like to apologize to Axar bhai. Sorry, Axar bhai. I got you run out," Arshdeep told BCCI after the match.

Arshdeep also said he felt really good about the successful execution of tactics to remove West Indies captain Shai Hope early in the game, adding that getting rid of a quality batter of his calibre required meticulous preparation and inputs from the coaching staff.

At the Holkar Stadium on Sunday night, Arshdeep made the early breakthrough by castling the in-form Shai Hope, who went for a wild slog, in the second over. The contest stayed alive till the dangerous Sherfane Rutherford was at the crease.

But Arshdeep castled him and removed Keemo Paul as well to ensure the contest ended in India's favour, as they won by 14 runs and grabbed a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.

"Before the match, we had planned how to keep things tight to him and when you execute that plan in the match, it feels good when you get the result. I am grateful to the coaches for working through the plan, and they told me that I can use this in the match. That thing got executed," Arshdeep said.

He also credited the entire bowling attack for applying sustained pressure while defending a big total of 223.

"I bowled very well. Mayank kept the pressure from the other end, and all six bowlers chipped in and bowled very well. It feels good when you get a little pressure for executing plans. So, it's good fun."

(With IANS Inputs)

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