'Keep cricket free from personal attacks' - Sachin Tendulkar defends Arshdeep Singh, urges fans for constant support

Arshdeep Singh, the Indian fast bowling prospect, had a forgettable game against Pakistan in Super 4 round of the Asia Cup 2022 on September 4, Sunday, in Dubai. And it was all because of a single incident that probably changed the course of the match, a costly dropped catch. India did not only go on to lose the match, they are now forced to win all their remaining games in the Super 4 to ensure qualification to the final.

This has prompted Arshdeep to be subject to trolls and backlash from a significant portion of fans on social media platforms. Former legendary Indian batter Sachin Tendulkar, like many other former players, has come out in defence of the 23-year-old, urging fans to support athletes constantly and keep the sport free of personal attacks.

Arshdeep, give the best reply by performing on the field: Tendulkar

“Every athlete representing the country gives their best and plays for the nation always,” Tendulkar wrote on Twitter. “They need our constant support & remember, that in sports you win some & you lose some. Let's keep cricket or any other sport free from personal attacks.  @arshdeepsinghh keep working hard and give the best reply by performing on the field. I am keenly following you. My best wishes.”

Every athlete representing the country gives their best and plays for the nation always. They need our constant support & remember, that in sports you win some & you lose some. Let's keep cricket or any other sport free from personal attacks. @arshdeepsinghh keep working hard..

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) September 6, 2022

It was in the 18th over of the second innings, when the left-arm pacer dropped a sitter of batter Asif Ali, who was facing only his first ball. Arshdeep was found guilty of being too casual on the field, which resulted in him misjudging the landing of the ball. Ali went on to score 16 runs off his next seven balls, and in the end, Pakistan chased down the target of 182 with a ball to spare.

Although Arshdeep must cope with all the criticism for dropping a costly catch, a silver lining for the left-armer is that he bowled an impressive spell, 1/27 in four overs, on a day where batters dominated throughout the game. He is likely to be next in action against Sri Lanka in Dubai on Tuesday.