For most cricketers, being benched for a major tournament is a bitter pill to swallow. For Arshdeep Singh, it became unexpected content inspiration.
When the left-arm pacer learned he wouldn’t feature in India’s opening match of the Champions Trophy earlier this year, he didn’t spend the day sulking. Instead, confined to his hotel room with little to do, he made a spontaneous decision — one that would give fans a whole new way to connect with him.
“When I got to know that I wouldn’t be playing in the first game of the Champions Trophy, I was very bored in my room — and that’s when I started my YouTube channel. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise,” Arshdeep said, speaking on JioHotstar.
From sidelined bowler to breakout YouTuber
Arshdeep was one of just three players in India’s 15-member squad who didn’t get a single game during the Champions Trophy campaign. Despite his strong domestic form — including finishing as the leading wicket-taker in the 2024–25 Vijay Hazare Trophy — team management opted to go with Harshit Rana as the third seamer.
But Arshdeep took the snub in stride. Rather than let frustration take over, he chose to create. His YouTube channel, @ArshdeepSinghOfficialYoutube, launched during the tournament, now has over 300,000 subscribers.
“Sometimes you just have to be grateful that you are playing at this level. You also have to wait for your chances, and when you get an opportunity, make sure you make the most of it,” he added during the same segment.
Kohli banter goes viral after ODI win
That playful spirit was on full display after India’s third ODI against South Africa in Visakhapatnam. Kohli, chasing a third consecutive century in the series, was left unbeaten on 65 as India comfortably chased down 271.
In a moment caught on camera and shared online, Arshdeep teased his teammate:
“Paaji, run kam reh gaye… century aaj pakki thi waise.”
Kohli, smiling, didn’t miss a beat.
“Toss jeet gaye, nahi toh teri bhi pakki thi dew mein.”
The exchange, referencing the heavy dew that had troubled India’s bowlers earlier in the series, quickly racked up views — becoming one of Arshdeep’s most watched clips to date.
A dual rise — on and off the field
While his YouTube channel grows, Arshdeep continues to make a strong case with the ball. He was instrumental in India’s 101-run win over South Africa in the opening T20I of the ongoing series, dismissing Quinton de Kock in the first over and removing Tristan Stubbs shortly after.
His journey over the past few months has shown a rare ability to stay grounded, laugh through setbacks, and find new ways to stay engaged — with the game, and with the fans.
And if his videos keep going viral, Arshdeep might just become cricket’s most unlikely creator success story — one who knows how to swing the ball and swing a camera.
