How Arshdeep Singh 'yorked' his way into the Indian team

Arshdeep Singh says clarity of mind, attained through yoga and meditation, has helped him perfect the art of bowling yorkers, a rare ability that has pushed him into the Indian T20 side for the South Africa series. The 23-year-old from Kharar humbly accepts the success that has come his way in the IPL but says he really had to "earn everything". It may seem that landing yorkers, at will, comes naturally to the lanky fast bowler but he put in the extra work with his personal coach Jaswant Rai ahead of the IPL to hone his coveted skill. Yoga and meditation has also helped him stay calm in high-pressure scenarios. "It (meditation) clears the mind. When there is pressure, there is no substitute to clarity. Being able to stay calm surely helps in a big way," Arshdeep told PTI.

(Punjab Kings' and India batsman Shikhar Dhawan clicking a selfie with Arshdeep Singh - Photo: BCCI/IPL)Back at home after a gruelling couple of months in the IPL, Arshdeep is getting some much-needed rest at home but it won't be long before he joins the Indian squad for the South Africa series beginning in Delhi on June 9. He bowled more with the old ball than new ball this IPL season with Punjab relying on him heavily in the slog overs. Only one of the two players to be retained by the franchise, Arshdeep repaid the faith by ending up with an economy rate of 7.31 in the death overs, the best among bowlers who bowled more than 10 overs in that critical phase. "My role depended on team combination, match ups are a big thing in T20 cricket. I bowled with the new ball, in the middle as well as death. "Whatever the team combination for a particular game was, the role changed accordingly. You have to be adaptable in this format.".