Arshdeep Singh has been instrumental for India in the shorter formats — is it time he gets a look-in for the Test side as well?
In recent weeks, Arshdeep Singh has become a fan-favourite not just for his cricket but for his charisma off the field. Whether he’s acting as a playful weather reporter in Dharamsala, hilariously fumbling his way through English with teammates, or trolling his close friend Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep’s travel vlogs have painted the image of a vibrant and relatable cricketer. But behind this easy going person lies a bowler with immense skill, patience, and maturity — qualities that make a strong case for his inclusion in India’s red-ball setup.
One particular moment in his vlog caught attention: during a light-hearted chat with Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting, the Aussie legend asked Arshdeep about his plans after the IPL. “Are you heading to England?” Ponting quipped. Arshdeep just laughed. But perhaps that question now deserves a serious answer.
A reminder to selectors
With the announcement of India’s squad for the five-match Test series in England and the shadow A tour just around the corner, Arshdeep Singh has quietly sent a timely reminder to the selectors. Overlooked for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia last year, Arshdeep has since reinforced his claim with white-ball brilliance, consistency, and growth. His name should feature at least in the A squad, if not the main Test team.
Yes, India do have other left-arm options in Yash Dayal and Khaleel Ahmed, both of whom were part of overseas setups in the past. But Arshdeep’s name has been echoing in the cricketing corridors for more than a year now, backed by performances and backed by temperament.
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Dharamsala masterclass: Glimpse of Arshdeep’s brilliance
On a cool Dharamsala evening, Arshdeep delivered arguably one of the finest new-ball spells in IPL 2025. His 3-over burst against Lucknow Super Giants, returning figures of 3/10, was a masterclass in exploiting conditions. There was movement on offer due to cold weather, something which we will get to see in England as well, but it was his control, awareness, and maturity that stood out.
Speaking after the match, Arshdeep said, “For a change, there was movement in the starting overs… it swings a bit.” That very statement points to why England, with its cool climate and the swinging Dukes ball, might just be the perfect place for Arshdeep to shine.
Mitchell Marsh fell prey to his spongy bounce, Aiden Markram was squared up by lateral movement, and Nicholas Pooran was outdone by a perfectly executed full in-swinger. The variations in length, especially the shift in approach between right-handers and left-handers, showed just how far Arshdeep has come.
Solid First-Class credentials
Arshdeep isn’t a white-ball specialist trying to break into red-ball cricket from scratch. He has already featured in 21 first-class matches, claiming 66 wickets in 37 innings at an average of 30.37 and a strike rate of 56.9. While those numbers may not scream world-beater, they reflect promise and potential for growth — particularly under challenging English conditions that often reward bowlers who can swing the ball and bowl a nagging length.
Arshdeep’s white-ball rise, particularly in the T20 World Cup 2024 where he finished as the joint-leading wicket-taker with 17 scalps, shows a bowler who thrives under pressure. His ability to deliver in the death overs — including a brilliant 19th over against South Africa in the final — highlights a calm head and sharp cricketing brain.
Arshdeep Singh’s numbers in the shorter formats are nothing short of sensational. He has claimed 99 wickets in 63 T20Is at an impressive average of 18.3, along with 14 wickets in 9 ODIs at an average of 23.0 — the kind of form that keeps batters and fans alike on the edge of their seats.
Zaheer Khan’s worthy successor
But more than just death bowling, it’s his new-ball control, left-arm angle, and intelligent use of swing that give India something they have long lacked in the red-ball setup — a successor to Zaheer Khan. No India left-arm pacer since Zaheer has truly commanded a place in the Test side. After his Retirement from Test cricket, only two left-arm pacers represented India, T Natrajan (1) and Jaydev Unadkat (3).
With the England series offering overcast skies, fresh pitches, and ample assistance for swing bowling, the timing couldn’t be better to give Arshdeep his due.
With three India A games scheduled before the main Test series, this could be the ideal chance to blood Arshdeep in English conditions. He’s not just a social media darling or a white-ball wonder — he’s a thoughtful bowler, a learner, and someone who has quietly built a strong case for red-ball recognition.
It’s time Ajit Agarkar and Co. look beyond the obvious and give Arshdeep Singh the red ball, as England await.
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