"Just Keep It Simple": Pacer Arshdeep SIngh Reveals Jasprit Bumrah's Advice After Win vs Ireland

Pacer Arshdeep Singh said he only focussed on sticking with his plan even as controlling the ball on the drop-in pitch in cloudy conditions was a big task for India quicks in their eight-wicket win against Ireland, in their T20 World Cup opener in New York. Though India had an easy outing at the Nassau Country Stadium on Wednesday, dismissing Ireland for 96 in 16 overs and overhauling the target in 12.2 overs, Arshdeep conceded that controlling the swing was an onerous task and he banked on team-mate Jasprit Bumrah's advice to overcome the issue.

"I made every effort to pitch the ball on the scrambled seam but the ball was swinging so much that it was hard to get it on the scrambled seam. Yes, there were a lot of wides from me," conceded the left-armer, who bowled five wides but also took the prized wickets of openers Andy Balberine and skipper Paul Stirling in the third over.

"Jassi bhai (Bumrah), with his loads of experience, keeps telling us not to go after wicket. Just keep it simple, keep bowling in the right areas and whatever result comes it's good... whether you are able to stop the flow of runs or get wickets," said Arshdeep during the post-match press conference.

"Control means one should not get greedy, not to go after getting wickets. It was cloudy and the ball was swinging. At the start, the plan was to take advantage of that by bowling in the right areas and if they (Ireland) take risks then fine, but it will also give us better a chance to take wickets," the left-armer said.

"The plan was to keep it simple and aim straight for the wicket to get more LBWs, clean bowled and caught-behind decisions, keep all the options open. And, if they go for a big slog or try going down the wicket, then it's okay, but