Picture Credit: BCCI
Punjab Sports minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer expressed support towards Indian fast bowler Arshdeep Singh after he has been targetted on social media for dropping a catch in the India-Pakistan super four fixture in the Asia Cup. The Men in Blue went on to lose the game in Dubai by five wickets.
While speaking to Arshdeep’s mother Baljeet Kaur over the phone, Hayer told Kaur that Punjab along with the whole of India is proud of her son. Hayer said that athletes like Arshdeep are an inspiration for the youth in the country.
“You all should be in high spirits. Whole of Punjab as well India stands with Arshdeep today. People, who have not played cricket ever, are making such comments. Arshdeep carried the hopes of 140 crore Indians and it’s a big thing for a 24-year-old youngster. The captain showed faith over Arshdeep for bowling the last over and that speaks of Arshdeep’s talent,” Hayer conveyed to Baljeet Kaur, mother of Arshdeep Singh on Monday.
Arshdeep dropped Asif Ali’s catch in the 18th over when Pakistan required 31 runs in 16 balls. The youngster then bowled the last over and almost defended seven runs in the last over. He dismissed Asif Ali on the fourth ball but Iftikhar Khan scored two runs and sealed the game for Pakistan.
“A lot of people fail to see the hard work done by the players to play for India. Arshdeep bowled the last over superbly. When Arshdeep will come after winning the Asia Cup, I will accompany you to welcome him at the airport. Please tell Arshdeep to concentrate on the rest of the matches and he is an inspiration for the youth. We have seen players like Sachin Tendulkar too not scoring runs in some matches and things like these happen in sports,” Hayer said.
Arshdeep’s mother Baljeet Kaur, who is in UAE for the Asia Cup matches, spoke to Hayer that the entire Indian team is supporting Arshdeep Singh. “When we sat with him after the match, Arshdeep told us not to worry and he will give his best as always. The whole Indian team has supported him and he will answer the critics with his performance,” Kaur said.