Arshdeep Singh: Batala’s Pride, Rising Star of Indian Cricket
In the bustling town of Batala, Punjab, where the echoes of legendary Punjabi poet Shiv Kumar Batalvi still linger, a new hero has emerged. Arshdeep Singh, the 26-year-old fast bowler, is not just scripting history on the cricket field but also weaving words of inspiration through his poetry, much like the cultural icon who once called Batala home.
Arshdeep, who recently received the prestigious ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year award, has captured the imagination of cricket fans worldwide. With 99 wickets in 63 T20I matches, he stands as India’s leading wicket-taker in the format. His pivotal role in guiding India to glory at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and USA cemented his status as a national treasure. Yet, beyond the stumps and roaring crowds, lies a young man whose journey is as poetic as it is powerful.
A Poet on the Pitch
Arshdeep’s love for words mirrors the lyrical genius of Shiv Kumar Batalvi, whose soulful verses inspired Bollywood classics like ‘Koi Baat Chale’ and ‘Aye Mere Pyaar Ki Khushboo’. “My poetry comes from my roots,” says Arshdeep’s father, Darshan Singh Aulakh, a retired CISF Inspector. “We hail from Batala, the land of Batalvi. Arshdeep pens his thoughts in a diary, and after his first India call-up, he wrote his finest poem yet.”
In his own words, Arshdeep reflects on his journey with poetic grit: “Have faith in the Almighty, do hard work. Challenge yourself rather than competing with others. Be the best among the best, and conquer the hearts of haters. With dedication, you will reach your destination, no matter the challenges!” This mantra has guided him from the narrow lanes of Punjab to the global stage.
From Humble Beginnings to National Hero
Arshdeep’s rise was anything but easy. Growing up in Kharar, he cycled 15 kilometers daily to reach Guru Nanak Public School in Chandigarh’s Sector 36 for training, lugging a heavy kit bag to save costs and stay fit. “Those rides built not just my stamina but my resolve,” he once shared in a vlog. His father, beaming with pride, adds, “Bowling, he has taken from me. But I’m still the best bowler in the Aulakh family!”
Despite the hardships, Arshdeep’s talent shone through. His childhood coach, Jaswant Rai, believes the pacer is ready for the next frontier—Test cricket. “Wo pak chuka hai (He is ripe now),” Rai asserts. “He can bring the balance India has been looking for in red-ball cricket.”
Overcoming Adversity with Grit
The road to stardom has had its share of potholes. In the 2022 Asia Cup, Arshdeep faced vicious trolling after dropping a crucial catch against Pakistan’s Asif Ali during a tense chase. Social media erupted with criticism, and in a deplorable act, an unidentified user edited his Wikipedia page with references to “Khalistan”, a baseless and hurtful slur. Yet, Arshdeep remained unshaken. “I was laughing at all those tweets and messages,” he told his coach. Rai recalls, “He’s tough. I’ve seen that strength up close.”
In one of his cherished poems, Arshdeep penned a defiance against doubt: “For some, I’m lucky; for some, it’s just a fluke. They ignore my hard work and talk only of fate. When times are good, anyone can succeed, but character is tested in adversity. Courageous individuals don’t back down. And a character like me won’t lose hope in tough times.”
A Father’s Unwavering Support
Darshan Singh, who served 25 years in the CISF, now dedicates his time to supporting his son. “I’m retired. I have nothing else to do but follow Arshdeep and the Indian team wherever they play,” he says, planning his next trip to the UK to cheer from the stands. “I don’t know if he’ll play every match, but I’ll be there,” he adds with a father’s quiet pride.
Arshdeep, meanwhile, continues to win hearts—on and off the field. Whether it’s playfully bantering with teammate Ravi Bishnoi in vlogs or owning up to fielding mishaps with a smile, his humility shines through. Reflecting on a lighthearted moment with a fan’s question about the “worst fielder” in the team, he quipped, “I’ve apologized to Ravi so many times. What a big scandal it became!”
Conclusion: A Star with Roots Deep in Batala
Arshdeep Singh is more than just a cricketer; he’s a symbol of resilience, a poet of the pitch whose verses of hard work and courage resonate as deeply as Batalvi’s poetry. From cycling through Punjab’s dusty roads to dominating the T20 World Cup, his story is a testament to dreams fueled by grit. As he eyes a Test debut and continues to break barriers, Batala—and all of India—stands proud, watching its son rise to unimaginable heights. Will the red-ball arena be his next poetic battlefield? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Arshdeep Singh is here to stay.