Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh was unexpectedly excluded from the playing XI for the first One Day International (ODI) against New Zealand, held in Vadodara on Sunday, January 11, 2026. This decision by the team management triggered a massive wave of reactions across social media platforms, with fans expressing their disappointment and creating numerous memes questioning his absence. Many cricket enthusiasts and commentators found the move surprising, especially considering Arshdeep Singh's recent impressive form. He had been India's most economical bowler in the preceding ODI series against South Africa, taking five wickets in three matches at an economy rate of 5.50. His consistent performances in white-ball cricket, particularly in T20Is, made his benching a point of contention. The Indian team management, led by captain Shubman Gill, stated that the decision was part of a rotation policy aimed at trying different bowling combinations and preparing a robust fast-bowling arsenal for the 2027 World Cup. They opted for Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Harshit Rana as the frontline pacers. However, this explanation did not entirely placate the fans, who, along with former cricketers like R Ashwin and Priyank Panchal, voiced strong criticism, suggesting 'blatant favouritism' and a lack of continuity impacting players' rhythm. The public outcry highlighted the passion of Indian cricket fans and the intense scrutiny around team selections, particularly when a seemingly in-form player is left out. The incident became a major talking point even before the first ball of the match was bowled.