Indore: India fast bowler Arshdeep Singh apologised to Axar Patel after a run-out mix-up during the third T20 International against West Indies, admitting that he had convinced his teammate to attempt a risky single that ultimately cost him his wicket.
India won the match by 14 runs at the Holkar Stadium on Sunday, taking a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. Arshdeep played a key role in the victory, dismissing West Indies captain Shai Hope early before removing Sherfane Rutherford and Keemo Paul to help India defend a total of 223.
Despite his contribution with the ball, Arshdeep was quick to acknowledge his mistake during India’s innings, offering a light-hearted but direct apology to Axar after the match.
Arshdeep apologises after Axar’s run-out
The incident occurred on the first ball of the 19th over of India’s innings. Axar struck the ball towards the right of the cover-point fielder, and Arshdeep persuaded him to attempt a single.
However, the run was never really on. The two batters became involved in a mix-up, leaving Axar short of his ground as the fielding side completed the run-out.
Reflecting on the dismissal after India’s victory, Arshdeep took responsibility for the mistake while speaking to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
“I would like to apologise to Axar bhai. Sorry, Axar bhai. I got you run out,” he said.
The apology highlighted the camaraderie between the Indian teammates, with Arshdeep openly admitting that his call had contributed to Axar’s dismissal.
Although the run-out interrupted India’s innings, the team had already built a strong platform and went on to post a formidable total. India ultimately had enough runs on the board to withstand the West Indies challenge.
Arshdeep’s plan to dismiss Shai Hope pays off
Arshdeep also spoke about the satisfaction of executing India’s pre-match strategy to dismiss West Indies captain Shai Hope.
Hope had been in good form, making his early wicket an important breakthrough for India. Arshdeep removed the West Indies skipper in the second over, bowling him after the batter attempted an aggressive slog.
The left-arm pacer said the dismissal was the result of preparation and discussions with the coaching staff rather than simply an individual moment of execution.
“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,” Arshdeep said.
He credited the coaches for helping develop the strategy and giving him the confidence to use it during the match.
“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,” he added.
The early dismissal of Hope gave India an important opening as the hosts looked to defend their total against a West Indies side capable of scoring quickly.
Rutherford and Keemo Paul fall to Arshdeep
The contest remained competitive while Sherfane Rutherford was at the crease. The West Indies batter posed a threat during the chase, keeping the visitors in contention as they attempted to close the gap.
Arshdeep, however, struck at a crucial stage by bowling Rutherford. He subsequently dismissed Keemo Paul, further weakening the West Indies challenge.
Those wickets helped India maintain control during the closing stages of the innings and defend their total of 223.
Arshdeep’s contribution was particularly important because the West Indies needed a strong finish to chase down the target. By removing key batters, he reduced the visitors’ ability to build the partnerships required to complete the chase.
India eventually secured a 14-run victory, moving ahead 2-1 in the series with two matches remaining.
Arshdeep credits India’s bowling unit
While his three important breakthroughs stood out, Arshdeep was keen to acknowledge the collective effort of India’s bowling attack.
Defending 223 required the bowlers to manage the scoring rate while also taking wickets at regular intervals. Arshdeep said the entire attack contributed to maintaining pressure on the West Indies batters.
“I bowled very well. Mayank kept the pressure from the other end, and all six bowlers chipped in and bowled very well,” he said.
He added that executing the plans developed before the match made the contest enjoyable for the bowling unit.
“It feels good when you get a little pressure for executing plans. So, it’s good fun,” Arshdeep said.
His comments reflected the importance of teamwork in defending a big total. While individual wickets can change the course of a match, sustained pressure from both ends can make it difficult for a chasing side to maintain the required scoring rate.
India take 2-1 lead in five-match series
The third T20I victory gave India a 2-1 advantage in the five-match series against West Indies.
India’s total of 223 provided the foundation for the win, while the bowlers ensured that the visitors could not complete the chase. Arshdeep’s early dismissal of Hope and his later breakthroughs against Rutherford and Keemo Paul were central to the result.
The match also offered a reminder of how small moments can shape a team’s innings. Axar’s run-out followed a risky call between the wickets, prompting Arshdeep to accept responsibility immediately after the game.
For Arshdeep, the evening therefore combined a successful bowling performance with an opportunity to acknowledge a costly mistake. His apology to Axar, alongside his praise for the coaching staff and fellow bowlers, captured both the personal and collective aspects of India’s victory.
With India now leading the series 2-1, the remaining matches will determine whether the hosts can convert their advantage into a series win.