Arshdeep Singh Sets His Sights on Test Cricket: “I Want to Play All Three Formats”
BENGALURU: For years, Arshdeep Singh has been a cornerstone of India’s white-ball setup, revered for his death-bowling precision and ability to swing the new ball. However, the 27-year-old left-arm pacer is now making it clear that his ambitions extend far beyond T20Is and ODIs.
As he leads the pace attack for North Zone in the current domestic season, Arshdeep is determined to prove that his talents are not confined to the shortest versions of the game. Representing North Zone in the Duleep Trophy quarterfinal against West Zone at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, Arshdeep showcased rhythm and control—even on a pitch that was heavily skewed in favor of spinners.
A Multiformat Mindset
Despite being a permanent fixture in India’s limited-overs squads, with 18 ODIs and 91 T20Is under his belt, Arshdeep maintains a balanced kit bag. He carries both red and white balls, a symbolic reflection of his commitment to his craft across all conditions.
“The goal is always to represent India, be it any format,” Arshdeep said following his side’s victory. “I want to play all three formats, and I rarely get a chance to play red-ball cricket. This was a chance, and I just wanted to showcase my skill set and see how many overs I can bowl.”
The Road to a Test Cap
The journey to the longest format has been marked by both promise and misfortune. Arshdeep earned a maiden Test call-up during India’s tour of England last year, but a hand injury cruelly denied him a potential debut in the fourth Test.
Determined to expand his repertoire, he sought out experience abroad, including a valuable stint with Kent in the County Championship in 2023. That experience, coupled with diligent off-season training, has prepared him for the physical demands of long-form cricket.
Regarding his conversations with the national selectors and team management, Arshdeep remains optimistic. “The message has been clear: perform wherever you get a chance and just keep delivering,” he shared. “When the time is right, you will get your chance.”
A Crucial Semifinal Looming
With his first-class debut dating back to December 2019, Arshdeep is eager to translate his white-ball success into the red-ball arena. He views the ongoing domestic season as his primary audition for the selectors.
As he prepares to lead the North Zone attack in the upcoming semifinal against South Zone this Sunday, the cricketing world is watching closely. For a bowler who has already conquered the high-pressure environments of international T20s, Arshdeep Singh’s Test ambitions are no longer a secret—they are his primary focus.
