After the young pacer received vicious internet criticism following India’s five-wicket Asia Cup loss to Pakistan, batting veteran Sachin Tendulkar on Tuesday defended Arshdeep Singh and encouraged the supporters to keep cricket “free from personal attacks.”
The 23-year-old left-arm bowler faced harsh criticism and online teasing for dropping a catch during the pivotal Super 4 match against Pakistan on Sunday during the Asia Cup in Dubai.
“Every athlete who is playing for their country does their absolute best. They require our ongoing support, and never forget that sports involve both wins and losses. Let’s avoid using personal insults when discussing cricket or any other sport. @arshdeepsingh keep up the good work “In a tweet, Tendulkar.
“and respond in the best way possible by competing on the field. I am closely observing you. my sincere wishes”
In the 18th over of a difficult chase, Arshdeep missed a catching opportunity at short third man off spinner Ravi Bishnoi’s bowling, giving Pakistani batter Asif Ali a life.
After senior bowler colleague Bhuvneshwar Kumar lost 19 runs in the penultimate over, the pacer swiftly recovered his composure and bowled a superb yorker to bowl Ali in front of wicket in the final over.
