Arshdeep Singh apologises to Ashwin for ranking him last among top five bowlers

Pacer's list sparks debate

India's left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh has triggered a friendly debate in cricket circles after revealing his list of the top five greatest bowlers he has seen. The 27-year-old, known for his death-over skills, placed veteran off-spinner R Ashwin at the bottom of his ranking, prompting an immediate public apology.

Arshdeep, who has been a regular feature in India's T20I setup, made the remarks during a recent interaction. His choices have raised eyebrows, especially the exclusion of Jasprit Bumrah, widely regarded as one of the finest pacers of this generation.

The ranking that raised questions

Arshdeep named Bhuvneshwar Kumar, his former IPL teammate, ahead of Mohammed Shami in his list. He also included spin legend Anil Kumble and former pace spearhead Zaheer Khan, but the omission of Bumrah and Shami's placement below Bhuvneshwar has become a talking point.

When the discussion turned to Ashwin, the pacer placed the veteran spinner last among his top five. The decision did not sit well with fans, and Arshdeep was quick to sense the backlash.

An apology, and a promise

“Sorry, Ashwin bhai,” Arshdeep said, addressing the senior off-spinner directly. He added, “I'll personally message you and explain my reasoning.” The light-hearted yet sincere apology has since gone viral on social media, with many appreciating the young pacer's humility.

Arshdeep did not elaborate on his criteria for the ranking, but his choices reflect a mix of personal admiration and match-up preferences. Bhuvneshwar's mastery with the new ball and his death-bowling prowess have often been praised by Indian teammates, which may explain his selection ahead of Shami.

Missing the Jasprit Bumrah factor

The most glaring absence in Arshdeep's list was Jasprit Bumrah, who has been India's premier fast bowler across formats for years. Bumrah's unique action and yorker accuracy have earned him global acclaim, yet Arshdeep did not include him in the top five.

Fans on social media were quick to point out the irony, given that Arshdeep and Bumrah have often shared the new ball in T20Is. Some speculated that Arshdeep may have excluded contemporary bowlers to avoid comparisons, though he did include Ashwin, who remains active in Tests.

Ashwin's legacy intact

R Ashwin, with over 500 Test wickets, needs no validation from a ranking list. His contributions to Indian cricket, especially in home conditions, are unmatched among spinners of his era. The apology from Arshdeep, however, shows the respect the younger generation holds for the veteran.

Arshdeep's list, while subjective, has opened a broader conversation about how current players perceive bowling greatness. It also highlights the healthy camaraderie within the Indian dressing room, where debates and light-hearted banter are common.

What next?

Arshdeep is expected to be part of India's squad for the upcoming limited-overs series. Whether his personal message to Ashwin clears the air remains to be seen, but the exchange has already given fans a glimpse of the bond shared by the team's bowlers.

As the debate over rankings continues, one thing is clear: Arshdeep's honesty has added a fresh layer to cricket discussions, and Ashwin, ever the sportsman, is likely to take the apology in the spirit it was offered.