‘No balls are a big worry’ - Lakshmipathy Balaji wants Arshdeep Singh to work on basics

Former India pacer Lakshmipathy Balaji has said that Arshdeep Singh conceding extras is a big worry for the team. His comments come after the young pacer leaked 51 runs in four overs, including two wides and one no-ball in the final over against New Zealand in the first T20I in Ranchi.

The Men in Blue endured a 21-run loss against the Blackcaps in the first T20I and are 0-1 behind in the three-match series. However, one of the highlights during the contest was Arshdeep continuing to bowl extras, including a 27-run final over that proved to be the point of difference between the two sides. 

"It’s not easy to fix something for which there is no so-called solution directly. He (Arshdeep Singh) has to understand where exactly his running marks are. At the same, he has to start reacting well under pressure. The way he has continued to bowl no-balls, that is a big worry. He has to do a lot of work off the field as well with the bowling coach. Hopefully, he will come good in the forthcoming matches,” Balaji told Star Sports.

Arshdeep needs to go back to the drawing board: L Balaji

Earlier, against Sri Lanka prior to the series agains the Kiwis, Arshdeep had an evening to forget as he bowled as many as five no-balls in a T20I match. Balaji pointed out the recurring pattern in the 23-year-old’s game and highlighted that he will lose confidence if he does not make amends.

"There is a rhythm issue, which he needs to address. If you overstep consistently, there is something that you need to address very quickly. Otherwise, you will lose your confidence, your rhythm and your momentum. It’s been recurring. He needs to go back to the drawing board and work on his foot-landing," he added.

India will be on the lookout to get level in the series when they lock horns with the Kiwis in the second T20I in Lucknow on January 29.