India won the recent ODI series against New Zealand 3-1, with fast bowler Arshdeep Singh emerging as one of the most frequent and effective users of the short ball. Across the matches, 31 of the 57 wickets taken by fast bowlers came from short or short-of-good-length deliveries.
Arshdeep Tests Batters with the Short Ball
Arshdeep bowled short on 47.30% of his deliveries during the series, according to Cricinfo’s data. That frequency placed him just behind Gurnoor Brar at 59.32%, and ahead of tall fast bowlers like Kyle Jamieson at 47.10% and Jacob Duffy at 46.67%.
Batters achieved a control percentage of just 60 against Arshdeep’s short length.
The tactic paid off immediately in the first ODI at Eden Park, where his short ball claimed the first two wickets as he finished with match figures of 4 for 70.
In the series finale at Bay Oval, he used a well-directed bouncer to remove Will Young during New Zealand’s chase of 210. Later in the same innings, a sharp delivery from Arshdeep struck New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner on the wrist.
Action Creates Deception Through the Crease
Batters often struggled to pick up the trajectory because of Arshdeep’s delivery stride. He relies on a fast-arm whip without a pronounced jump in his run-up.
“[I]t is deceptive because of his action,” India’s stand-in ODI captain Shreyas Iyer told africa.espn.com after the match.
“Because he’s got that quick action, [and] he doesn’t jump. So some of the batsmen, they stop in between, they don’t get that momentum to hit the bouncer, and it skids on as well, if the wicket is helpful.”
That rapid arm action hurried opponents throughout the tour. The extra zip left several batters caught between defensive stances and cross-bat strokes.
Wobble-Seam Delivery Adds New Dimensions
Beyond the bouncer, Arshdeep utilized a wobble-seam ball across all phases of the innings. The variation typically moves away from right-handers and nips into left-handers, accentuating his natural left-arm angle.
The skill troubled New Zealand’s middle order during the final match. Nick Kelly fell bowled off his inside edge to a ball that deviated in, while Kristian Clarke edged behind while driving against a delivery that left him.
“I think he’s a very skilful bowler, and he has shown that throughout this series,” Santner told africa.espn.com regarding the left-arm quick’s overall performance. “We know what he can do with the new ball, obviously swinging it but going across [the right-hand batter] with the three-quarter [seam] ball as well.”
Rise to ODI Mainstay Status
The series changed the trajectory of Arshdeep's 50-over career. From his debut in November 2022 through the end of 2025, he featured in only 14 ODI matches.
Following the conclusion of the Champions Trophy, where he served as a non-playing squad member, he became an ODI regular.
He played 14 matches since late last year, tying with Prasidh Krishna for the most wickets by an Indian bowler in that span with 24.
Among India bowlers with at least ten wickets during this recent stretch, Arshdeep recorded an average of 25.16 and an economy rate of 5.37. Only spinner Axar Patel held a lower economy rate at 4.48.
Frequently Asked Questions
How frequently did Arshdeep bowl short in New Zealand?
Arshdeep delivered short or short-of-good-length balls on 47.30% of his deliveries during the four-match series.
Which bowler used the short ball most often in the series?
Gurnoor Brar led all bowlers by pitching short on 59.32% of his deliveries, according to Cricinfo data.
What figures did Arshdeep record in the opening match?
Arshdeep finished the first ODI at Eden Park with figures of 4 for 70.
How many ODIs did Arshdeep play before the recent shift?
From his debut in November 2022 through the end of 2025, Arshdeep played 14 ODIs before becoming a regular fixture in the side.
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