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The Indian cricket fraternity witnessed a proud moment as young pacer Arshdeep Singh earned a spot in India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming Test series against England. Known for his ability to swing the ball both ways, Arshdeep’s inclusion has stirred excitement and curiosity—can he be India’s surprise weapon in swinging English conditions?
A Swing Sensation with Big Potential
Arshdeep Singh burst onto the international scene in 2022 and has since been a valuable asset in white-ball cricket. With his calm demeanour and impressive control, he’s known for delivering in high-pressure moments. The left-arm pacer possesses a rare gift—he can swing the new ball in both directions, a skill that becomes lethal in English conditions.
However, the red-ball format will be a whole new battleground for Arshdeep. Test cricket is as much a test of skill as it is of temperament and patience. The big question now is: can Arshdeep translate his white-ball brilliance into Test success?
Glimpses of Promise in County Cricket
Arshdeep gained vital exposure in England last year during his County Championship stint with Kent. He picked up 13 wickets in 5 Division 1 matches, with best figures of 3/58. Though his average of 41.76 wasn’t eye-catching, it provided crucial experience. In domestic red-ball cricket, he’s been more effective, claiming 39 wickets in 12 First-Class matches for Punjab at an average of 28.05.
Following in Bumrah’s Footsteps?
Much like Jasprit Bumrah, who made his mark in limited-overs cricket before conquering the Test arena, Arshdeep’s journey seems to follow a similar path. Bumrah's rise was meteoric, and fans are hopeful Arshdeep could echo that success in the longest format.
Arshdeep is already India’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is, with 99 wickets, and has featured in nine ODIs as well, with 14 wickets. His consistency and growth in white-ball formats are a promising sign of what he can bring to red-ball cricket.
Selectors Back His Potential
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar expressed full confidence in Arshdeep during the squad announcement. “Arshdeep is a quality bowler. He has played county cricket, domestic cricket—we have watched him closely over the last couple of years. There is no other reason [for his selection],” BCCI chairman of the Selection Committee Ajit Agarkar said.
A Big Opportunity Awaits
Arshdeep Singh’s rise in Indian cricket is nothing short of inspirational. From a promising left-arm pacer from Punjab to potentially leading India’s pace attack in Test cricket, his journey reflects hard work and perseverance. The England tour will be a defining chapter—one that could cement his place across formats. If he adapts to the red-ball challenge and harnesses the swing-friendly English conditions, India may have just found their next pace sensation. The India-England 5-Test series starts from June 20 at Leeds.
