A dropped catch can turn a player from hero to villain, isn’t it? How often have we seen Indian fans criticizing their team after a defeat? The latest incident was quite evident during the India vs Pakistan game in the Super 4 stage of the ongoing Asia Cup 2022.
But this time it was left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh who was at the receiving end of the abuse. However, what might be surprising for you is that even after giving his best with the ball, he faced backlash as many were of the opinion that his dropped catch cost India the game against its arch-rivals.
After India posted a total of 181 runs on the board, many expected Indian bowlers to defend the target and defeat their arch-rivals for the second time in a row. But a 73-run stand for the third wicket between Mohammad Rizwan (71) and Mohammad Nawaz (42), who was promoted up the order, tilted the game in Pakistan’s favour.
India then was back in the game after they bowled a few economical overs and took the wickets of Rizwan and Nawaz as well. In what was the deciding factor of the game, Arshdeep then dropped a sitter of Asif Ali in the short third-man area. The drop turned the game into Pakistan’s favour as the right-hander then scored 16 runs off just 8 balls to win the match for his side.
Fans and pundits come out in support of Arshdeep Singh after criticism
Following Arshdeep’s dropped catch, the left-arm pacer suffered huge criticism with people targeting him for his religion. But the cricket fraternity and even some fans have come out in support of the Punjab pacer. Even Virat Kohli during the press-conference backed the 23-year-old.
They feel that the pacer bowled brilliantly and even after being under so much pressure, he bowled a sensational last over, where he almost defended 7 runs to win the game for his side.
Here’s what they said:
Stop criticising young @arshdeepsinghh No one drop the catch purposely..we are proud of our 🇮🇳 boys .. Pakistan played better.. shame on such people who r putting our own guys down by saying cheap things on this platform bout arsh and team.. Arsh is GOLD🇮🇳
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) September 4, 2022
My request to all Indian team fans. In sports we make mistakes as we r human. Please don’t humiliate anyone on these mistakes. @arshdeepsinghh
— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) September 4, 2022
I have known many cricketers. Arshdeep Singh is the nicest person in this team. In times to come he will win many matches for India. Those cursing him are not fans of cricket. More strength to Arshdeep. I am his fan. Hopefully his colleagues will back him too ❤️
— Vijay Lokapally 🇮🇳 (@vijaylokapally) September 4, 2022
Arshdeep is a strong character. Stay that way boy. @arshdeepsinghh
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) September 4, 2022
Back to back thrillers involving India and Pakistan. Hard luck for Team India tonight. Great show of grit by the youngster @arshdeepsinghh 👏 #IndvPak #AsiaCup2022
— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) September 4, 2022
#NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/ksSXCNMOgC
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) September 5, 2022
I Stand With Arshdeep Singh 🔥#arshdeepsingh #INDvsPAK2022 #khalistani pic.twitter.com/T0mJ1MZu70
— Anmol Dhillon (@IamAnmolDhillon) September 5, 2022
It was the team that failed. Not Arshdeep Singh. We are with him. He bowled the best.
— Umran Malik (@TheUmranMalik) September 5, 2022
Arshdeep Singh is 23. For heavens sake, this is a bloody match, some of the best players have dropped a catch on a bad day. He fought it out till the last over, he braved it with a smile on his face while you anonymous keyboard warriors doled out certificates of patriotism.
— Rana Ayyub (@RanaAyyub) September 4, 2022
If you were at the edge of ur seat during #IndiaVSPak, imagine the pressure on the players in the park!
One dropped catch doesn’t define ability. We need to unite as a cricket loving nation & support youngsters instead of criticising them.
More power to you @arshdeepsinghh 🇮🇳
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) September 5, 2022
Don’t blame Arshdeep alone lol he isn’t the reason if we lose this match. #IndvsPak
— Ishan Yadav Mahal (@BeingIshanCric) September 4, 2022
Let the dogs 🐕 bark,
the Lion 🦁 is still the KING! #ArshdeepSingh @arshdeepsinghh pic.twitter.com/WLSMKXoeV6— Harjinder Singh Kukreja (@SinghLions) September 4, 2022
Every Indian is proud of #ArshdeepSingh. The issues related to cricket should be settled on cricket field only. Those who are paid to create rift among India’s unity must understand that Indians won’t buy your propaganda. We stand with our boys. 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/bVjqDBWCbq
— Amit Mishra (@MishiAmit) September 5, 2022
Last year Mohammad Shami Today #arshdeepsingh, these hindu extremists are worst creature on this planet. #khalistani pic.twitter.com/GYGmiDPXAH
— SaQi 🇵🇸 (@iam_SaQi09) September 5, 2022
