Ashwin Slams Gambhir-led Management Over Arshdeep Singh's ODI Exclusion

• Ravichandran Ashwin criticized the team management, led by Gautam Gambhir, for excluding Arshdeep Singh from the first two ODIs against New Zealand in Vadodara and Rajkot.
• Arshdeep, despite being India's top wicket-taker in T20Is with 22 wickets in 14 matches, has not played any game in the three-match series.
• Ashwin highlighted the potential negative impact of such decisions on a player's self-esteem and confidence, especially for bowlers.
• He argued that Arshdeep's past performances should guarantee him a spot and questioned the logic of playing him only in the final, inconsequential match.
• The ODI series is currently tied 1-1, with the decider scheduled for January 18 at Holkar Stadium, Indore.

Why It Matters: R Ashwin criticizes team management for Arshdeep Singh's exclusion, citing impact on player confidence.